Divorce brings up a lot of emotions, which is why a lot of people go right to the easiest outlet they have access to so they can vent: social media. While social media is great for many things, it can prove to be dangerous and damaging in a divorce. As you go through your divorce, make sure you break the following bad social media habits.
Outbursts and Rants
It does feel wonderful sometimes to vent your emotions to the world, but the results can reach further than you might think. Regardless of your intentions, sharing any bits of information about the divorce–such as financial issues, child custody disputes, your spouse’s adultery or other problems–on social media is never a good idea. Those posts can be brought up as evidence against you during your case. Even if you are no longer connected to your spouse in any way on social media, you can’t assume your posts will be private. Your spouse can find out about them through relatives, friends or other mutual connections you haven’t considered.
Location Sharing
Technology today makes it easier for everyone to keep track of one another. While you may be used to checking in on your accounts at places or sharing vacation photos, these actions could have negative consequences if you’re in the middle of a legal dispute. Your spouse can use your locations against you in court. If, for instance, you post photos of yourself on vacation in an expensive spot, your spouse can say those are evidence that you don’t need the amount of spousal support you are seeking. It can also be used to demonstrate that you won’t be able to commit to sharing equal parenting time because you like to go away. Either way, avoid making your location known online.
Photos of Drugs or Drinking
A photo of you with wine on your couch may seem innocent, but it could be used to argue you have a drinking problem or pose a risk to your kids in court. Consider how an image could possibly be used against you in a custody, property division or other dispute in your divorce. If posts can show you in a bad light, don’t post the photo. Never post photos that show you displaying illegal or irresponsible behavior, even if the posts are jokes and clearly labeled as such.
Posts with Legal Information
In general, you should never share legal information with people other than your attorneys. While it can be tempting to seek help from your social network, it’s likely to backfire. Don’t share anything about your attorney meetings, mediation or court appearances, or your divorce strategy online. If you need to say something, speak to a trusted family member or friend offline, where your words can’t be recorded and brought back up again later.
Social Media Can Be a Threat in Divorce
It’s vital you keep any sensitive information about your divorce to yourself and never put any of it on online platforms. This can always be used against you at some point later. In addition, the turmoil and gossip an inflammatory post could spark will only make your divorce more contentious. If you have kids, it could impact them seriously as well, leaving them feeling hurt, frustrated, confused and angry. Posts that badmouth your spouse or reveal certain details about the split can be devastating for your kids to see or hear about.
If possible, try to limit your social media use during the divorce. Should you feel the need to use it, always think twice before posting anything to spare yourself trouble down the road.