The proliferation of social media has dramatically changed how people interact with one another. We share when we feel happy, reach a milestone or welcome a new baby. We use social media to stay in touch with family and friends, and each post offers them a small glimpse into our lives.
Posting on social media can be very cathartic when you are going through a divorce. However, oversharing could work against you in court. The ubiquitous nature of social media has made it a common component of divorce proceedings. Understanding how social media affects your divorce is critical.
How can social media affect your divorce proceedings?
Social media may be a useful source of evidence in divorce disputes. Your ex-spouse’s legal team may present screenshots of your social media posts in court to support claims of excessive spending, poor parenting abilities or infidelity. You can protect yourself by doing the following:
- Think twice about what you share Refrain from disclosing personal details regarding your divorce or sharing emotional content that may be used against you.
- Adjust your privacy settings: Although privacy settings may not be entirely reliable, they can help restrict the public visibility of your posts.
- Unfriend your ex-spouse and any mutual friends who support him to avoid triggering anxiety or mental anguish that impedes your recovery process.
- Refrain from sending direct messages regarding the divorce: Remember that direct messages through social media may be subject to subpoena.
Reducing your social media engagement can help you avoid unwanted attention or consider taking a break from social media during your divorce.
Keep in mind that your ex-spouse’s team may go through years of your posts to find anything to help their case. You can protect yourself further by seeking legal guidance before posting anything on social media.