A Guide to Social Media and Divorce

It has become easier to share pivotal moments of our lives through social media. Whether it is a birthday, vacation, graduation, new job, or marriage, you can upload photos and posts to share these moments with friends and family. However, not all moments of your life should be shared on social media. For instance, you might want to think twice before posting to social media when going through a divorce.

Public social media posts and divorce don’t exactly go well together. Avoid social media during your divorce altogether if you don’t want your posts used against you in court.

If you are dealing with social media issues during your divorce or encountering issues with your separation, contact the divorce attorneys at Boudreaux Law Firm. Our experienced attorneys understand the sensitive nature of a divorce and can help with any problems you encounter.

Do Not Post About Purchasing Expensive Items on Social Media During a Divorce

Many divorces are centered on financial issues such as alimony, spousal support, payment of debts, and dividing assets. If you are trying to argue that you cannot afford to pay spousal support, you should avoid posting about expensive items you recently purchased on social media. It will be difficult to argue to the court that you cannot afford alimony when you post about a new vehicle, house, or luxurious vacation on your social media channels.

It would be hard to positively reframe that picture in court, so avoiding social media until the divorce case is over is best. You never know what can come back to haunt you.

 

Do Not Post About Drugs, Alcohol, or Partying on Social Media During a Divorce

If you are fighting for child custody, it is best to refrain from posting about drinking alcohol, taking recreational drugs, or partying at bars or clubs on social media during a divorce. But even less offensive posts can be misinterpreted and used in court, so be careful about anything you post. Your former spouse can easily find these posts or learn about this information from a friend and use it against you in a custody case.

You also have to assume that your spouse will find your posts on social media even if you have “blocked” your spouse. Your spouse could use your posts to convince the judge that you lead an irresponsible lifestyle, and you could potentially lose custody. A general rule of thumb when posting on social media during a divorce: if you aren’t comfortable with a judge or your spouse’s attorney seeing the post, don’t post it.

Do Not Post Anything Negative About Your Former Spouse on Social Media During a Divorce

While a divorce is never easy, an uncontested divorce takes the stress and legal fees off you and your former spouse and makes the process a bit easier. However, if you are badmouthing your spouse on social media during a divorce and your spouse sees these posts, this could enrage them and turn your diplomatic divorce into a legal nightmare that could last months.

We understand the divorce process is emotional, and it can be difficult to process your frustrations or emotions. But, if you do not wish to drag out the process, do not vent on social media during a divorce. Even a cryptic post can be taken the wrong way. Settling your case and remaining civil is the best way to save on legal fees and start moving on with your life.

[Related: Contested v. Uncontested Divorce]

Think About Your Children Before Posting on Social Media During or After A Divorce

Another thing to keep in mind before posting to social media during a divorce is your children or your spouse’s children with whom you’ve formed a bond during the marriage. If your children are on social media and see the posts or learn about the posts from someone else, they could be negatively affected by something they did not need to know about you or your spouse.

For example, if your spouse cheated on you and you vent about their adultery on social media, your children may see the posts, which could harm their relationship with their mother/father. Adult conversations should be between only the relevant adults and not involve children. If, after careful consideration, you believe that your child needs to hear negative information about the other parent, it should come directly from them and not social media. An honest, face-to-face conversation with your child is much better than learning damaging information from Facebook or Twitter.

There is also a chance your posts could backfire. If you post negative information about your spouse on social media and your child sees this, your child could hold it against you more than having negative thoughts about your spouse. Posting negative information about your former spouse on social media during a divorce can only hurt, not help, your case and should be avoided.

Remember, divorce can be stressful for children too. It is important to look after them during this time and not resort to these social media tactics during your divorce to make your former spouse feel bad or damage your child’s relationship with them.

Talk to the Divorce Mediation Professionals at Boudreaux Law Firm

Before posting anything to social media during your divorce case, ask yourself if it is appropriate to post. If you have to ask yourself this question, it probably isn’t. Social media has never helped anyone during a divorce case. Don’t let social media negatively impact your divorce.

If your former spouse is posting sensitive information about you on social media, contact the experienced divorce mediation attorneys at Boudreaux Law Firm. They will work with you to resolve any issues relating to social media during a divorce and help you during this difficult time. Call us today at 706-869-1334 to talk to divorce mediation attorneys who will listen to the most important issues impacting your divorce.