Social Media and Divorce: What to Do, What Not to Do

 Posted on October 29, 2015 in Divorce

Social media has changed how we interact. From how we announce life's big events like engagements and pregnancies to how we stay in touch with old friends, relatives, and colleagues who might otherwise fade away from our lives, social media platforms provide us with quick, simple ways to remain socially active. But social media can also have its negative effects on our lives. By giving us the means to connect with individuals who we would otherwise be unable to reach, it has dramatically expanded the opportunity to commit infidelity. It has torn away the privacy curtain that surrounded people's daily lives, subjecting them to a constant stream of judgment and imposition from others. When you are going through a divorce, these judgments and impositions from others can actively work against your case by provoking you to make regrettable comments or creating an opportunity to misuse or misconstrue your discussions and photographs. If you are going through a divorce or plan to end your marriage soon, your divorce attorney can give you specific guidelines about what should and should not be posed to social media during the divorce process.

Do Not Speak Badly of Others on Social Media

Not talking badly about your former spouse is a given. But that is not the only type of online disparaging you need to avoid. Speaking badly about the court, your former spouse's attorney, Child Protective Services, or any other individual or agency involved in your divorce can actually hurt your credibility by reflecting poorly upon your character.

Do Not Do Anything You Would Not Want Posted to Social Media

It sounds paranoid, but it is true: we live in a world where we are constantly under surveillance. One angry, drunk rant at a party or candid picture of you taking an illegal drug could lead to trouble in divorce court.

Do Not Attempt to Fake Your Relationship with Your Child Online

You might be tempted to start posting more photos of yourself and your child to prove that you are an active, involved parent. Do not do this unless you are already in the habit of posting photos of yourself and your child to social media. Like other types of online lying, pretending to be a more involved parent than you actually are can backfire.

When in Doubt, Stay Off Social Media

The best way to avoid a social media disaster during your divorce is to stay off social media completely. If you can not do this, keep your posts and activities minimal and conservative.

Kane County Divorce Attorneys

You can navigate the world of social media while you go through a divorce. You just need to do so carefully. Contact our team of experienced Kane County divorce attorneys at Goostree Law Group today to schedule your free legal consultation with our firm. We can answer any questions you have about the divorce process and provide you with the legal guidance and representation you need.

Sources:

http://www.wired.com/2013/02/does-technology-make-it-easier-or-harder-for-us-to-cheat/

http://www.yourtango.com/experts/cindy-holbrook/3-ways-social-media-can-hurt-you-during-divorce