Can Social Media Affect Your Divorce?
March 22, 2019
Social media is great for sharing jokes and images, while also staying in touch with loved ones who are far away. During a divorce, you should be thoughtful about what you post on social media, especially if you have children. Some information may negatively affect your divorce case as well as cause strife within your family, as explained by Prevention.
Even if you’ve removed your ex as a friend on social media, chances are that you share some contacts. As a result, everything you post on your page will likely make its way back to your former partner, as well as his legal team. If you’re negotiating a custody arrangement or child support payments, posting information about your lifestyle or financial situation could come back to haunt you if the court finds fault.
You also want to refrain from arguing with your ex online. Making critical statements may feel cathartic in the moment, but it can also cause the court to doubt your ability to co-parent with your former partner. It could also harm your kids, who no doubt still love your ex despite the end of your marriage. Keep comments civil no matter the venue. If you disagree, try to do so in a respectful manner or keep all conversations relegated to text or email.
Spying on your ex can also be problematic from a legal perspective. If you’re privy to a password and use it to gain access to a protected social media account without consent, you may find yourself in legal trouble. You’ll also have a hard time recovering from your divorce emotionally if you continue to snoop into your ex’s life. Instead, limit contact unless absolutely necessary and focus on your own life and how to proceed.