Social media is just about everywhere nowadays and many of us use it for a variety of reasons, including staying in touch with old friends or networking and meeting new ones. Although it can be a lot of fun to share the details of your life on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, doing so can become harmful if you are in the middle of divorce proceedings. Using social media during your divorce can have a profound impact on its outcome, so you might want to take a break from social media activity until after it is officially over.
Here are some of the reasons why you should stay logged out until your divorce is finalized:
- Pictures can harm your case: Everyone knows that a picture is worth a thousand words, so the pictures you post online can certainly speak volumes and impact your divorce agreement. For example, if you enjoy posting pictures of your evening outings, this might portray an image that you party frequently and are irresponsible. If you are vying for child custody, this can present a big problem for you in court. Err on the side of caution and refrain from posting pictures, even if they seem completely harmless. Better safe than sorry!
- Posts might reveal your spending habits: Sure, you are probably not mentioning the cost of your purchases or trips, but a lot can be gleaned from your posts, even if you are not diving into the details. For example, if you make a post about your recent purchase of the latest and greatest smartphone on the market, but are claiming that you cannot afford child support in court, you will look dishonest. Your spouse might even accuse you of hiding or wastefully dissipating assets.
- You cannot always trust your friends: You and your soon-to-be former spouse also probably share a lot of mutual friends on the social media platforms you use and the problem with breaks-ups is that you never know which friends are on your side in the aftermath. If you are posting personal anecdotes online, this can be a problem since a mutual friend might relay the information back to your spouse since you likely unadded him or her. The risk is simply not worth it.
- Venting online can seriously backfire: The internet was designed for people to vent and share their feelings, but it does not mean you should. Doing so during a divorce will only hurt you, especially if you have children. A judge might think you will be an effective co-parent, which could impact your custody agreement. Save the rants for a close friend or family member.
- Beware the tags: Lastly, you should ask your close friends and family to avoid tagging you in any posts or writing about your personal life or divorce. To help mitigate this situation, adjust the settings on you social media profiles to prevent others from tagging you. Otherwise, you might be in just as much hot water for someone else’s post.
Speak to One of Our Compassionate Divorce Attorneys
Are you getting divorced? At DeTommaso Law Group, LLC, our divorce lawyers in NJ are committed to providing knowledgeable representation to help you navigate this emotional and complex situation. With over 75 years of combined legal experience on our side, you know you can rest easy in our hands.
Call us today at (908) 274-3028 to schedule a case review.