The Dos and Dont’s of Using Social Media During a Divorce

07 May The Dos and Dont’s of Using Social Media During a Divorce

Not a Good Mix

Using social media during divorce is not a good idea. There are so many reasons not to participate in social media through the process of divorce, mainly that it can wreak all kinds of havoc. Especially if there are children involved and you are going through custody hearings as well.

The issue here is that most of us are on social media, whether for business or personal use. Although Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are some of the more popular sites available, there are many other sites, apps, forums and blogs used as well. During a divorce, people who are angry are apt to vent on social media, and many feel justified in doing so. However, it’s not just about venting.

Using Social Media During Divorce Can Be Used Against You In a Court of Law

Attorney’s can legally use any information that is put out on social media. Any social media information can be used against you in a court of law.

Therefore, it is imperative for you to be cautious and aware of the outcome of posting on your sites when using social media during divorce. There are quite a few things that you should know before jumping onto your Facebook page and filling in the blank, “What’s on your mind?” That question is dangerous when it comes to divorce and litigation.

Do’s and Don’ts on Social Media

The following are some do’s and don’ts regarding posting on your social media sites.

1. DON’T post any pictures showing you are having a great time drinking in bars or at parties.
2. More importantly DO make sure that if you are partaking in these types of event’s, you are also watching the pictures your friends are posting. Make sure they are not tagging you in anything. Your page isn’t going to be the only one watched. Your friends could have their pages searched also.
3. DON’T post pictures of your vacation or anything new that you buy. These may portray your finances in an unrealistic light.
4. DO always be very careful about the information you choose to share on your sites if you are using social media during divorce. Any comment taken out of context can completely alter your divorce.
5. DON’T ever post anything negative about your ex, their attorney, their family, not even the judge. That will surely put you on a road where you may want to be. The lasting effects of this move are not worth the moment of satisfaction you may feel when posting.
6. If you are posting about yourself, DO speak of yourself in a positive way. Doing so will not only help your self-esteem during this trying time; it will be a good thing all around for you in the long run.
7. DON’T complain about how hard this is for you or that you will have to raise your children by yourself.  The judge’s decision as to which direction visitation or custody will go, could granted on whether you can handle it. Complaining about it won’t help your case.
8. DO reach out to your network as a support system. Begin to follow others that will help encourage you in your new life.
9. DON’T depend on your Facebook privacy settings. They will change your settings without prior notice. Also, you may have blocked your ex from seeing what is on your page, but someone they know may have access to your page through a shared friend. Don’t take that chance.
10. DO think about deleting your social media accounts until you are divorced or if you keep them, change your passwords to make certain your former partner does not have access to them. Be aware that your ex’s attorney could “friend” someone on your list to gain access to your page to review what you are doing.
11. DON’T let your anger and frustration get the best of you, especially if you have children. In a divorce that involves visitation and custody, your children are more important than getting back at your ex by bad mouthing him or her on social media. Your best best is to let that go for the sake of your kids.

Always use your best judgment and make common sense your friend. If you think what you say is going to get turned around or taken out of context, don’t say it.

Divorce can be a very distressing and painful process, so don’t allow your life to be in the public domain. People like reality shows, don’t make your life and divorce the next highly rated show.