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Social Media Mistakes to Avoid When You File for Divorce
Social media has made it easier than ever for people to remain in close contact with family, friends, colleagues and other acquaintances. It can also put a lot of strain on marriages, including airing spouses’ dirty laundry or facilitating extramarital affairs.
When you go through a difficult time emotionally, having instant access to your social support network can seem hugely beneficial. Unfortunately, social media presents as much of a hindrance as it does help in the event that you go through a divorce.
Social media can help you connect with support, but it can also help your ex gather evidence to manipulate how the courts view you. Avoiding the most common mistakes that people make on social media during a divorce can help protect you and your rights.
Don’t talk about the divorce or disparage your ex
Whether you’re in a private group on Facebook or direct messaging with someone on Instagram, you may feel tempted to really blow off some steam about what you have gone through recently and your feelings about your ex. Such conversations are safest when had face to face. Anything you type out online could wind up in the hands of your ex. Even private conversations with someone you trust could become a screenshot that your ex uses as evidence against you in court.
You also want to avoid making dramatic statements about the divorce itself. Have you noticed how celebrities seem to issue these joint, bland statements saying that they’re working to resolve the issues in their marriage and move on? Those statements are really the only kind of safe public acknowledgment you can make about the divorce until everything is over.
Don’t try to show off or prove you’ve moved on
If you’ve already filed for divorce, you might want to share your happiness and the changes occurring in your life with your extended network. Particularly if you’ve just gotten the better job or met someone you have real feelings for, you might want to make an announcement about your good fortune.
Unfortunately, financial good fortune could influence issues such as child support or the division of your assets. Statements about a new relationship, particularly before the courts finalize your divorce, could lead to claims of infidelity and possibly alter how the courts perceive you in the divorce proceedings. It is usually best to err on the side of caution and keep your personal business off of social media until the end of your divorce.