Most people have one or more social media accounts. Many people have profiles on several platforms and post often.
While social media activity may seem irrelevant to your divorce proceedings, your posts can affect your case. If you decide to remain active on your social accounts during your divorce, it is vital to know how to avoid potentially adverse consequences.
Divorce lawyers can use social media posts as evidence
If you post on social media, it is crucial to understand that anything you post publicly can appear in court. You may think posting privately protects you from this, but posts are admissible as evidence if someone reshares them. Divorce attorneys often use social media posts or direct messages as evidence in their cases.
Social media can reveal potentially damaging information
Your social media profile may inadvertently provide details regarding:
- Proof of infidelity
- Your financial status
- Mishandling of assets
- Your location at a specific date in time
- Drug or alcohol use
- Your character or state of mind
The use of social platforms during a divorce requires thoughtful consideration
When going through the divorce process, you must understand that anything you post can become public information. Follow these best practices:
- Do not joke about your spouse or make disparaging statements.
- Treat everything you put online as if the entire world can see it.
- Communicate with your spouse directly rather than through social media messages or texts.
- Limit or stop using social platforms until your divorce is final.
- Never discuss your divorce online.
Social media is a fun way to connect with family and friends, but it can present significant risks during divorce proceedings. It is essential to understand how it can affect your legal settlement and ways you can protect your rights.