Posting on social media shares your life and feelings with the world. But indiscriminately expressing your feelings and discussing your activities may be among the worst things to do when you end your marriage.
Just stop
The best way to avoid family law problems is to stop using social media. Any posts, especially venting, can be used against you. Even posts showing fun activities give the appearance that you are having a great time and further enrage your soon-to-be former spouse.
But if you don’t stop
If you continue to use social media, do not post anything negative, vent or post when you are upset. Posts about spending money, such as your vacation with your new significant other, can weaken your position in support and custody matters. Limit your posts to activities you enjoy and positive affirmations.
Never post intimate photographs or video from your marriage or relationship. This can be harmful to your family, especially the children. It may also be illegal.
Ask your family and friends to avoid negative posts about your spouse and divorce. These can upset your children and antagonize your spouse.
Your case
Regardless of whether your divorce is acrimonious or amicable, do not post details of your divorce online. This includes details about negotiations, settlements, support or custody.
Seeking information
Avoid the temptation to ask friends to provide negative information about your spouse. This can only lead to trouble. Discuss complaints about your spouse or their attorney with your lawyer or therapist.
Privacy
Change your privacy settings to their highest level. Ask friends not to tag you in their posts or photographs.
Conduct a Google search of yourself to find out what is posted in cyberspace. You may be able to delete or clean up incriminating posts or photographs.
Cyber stalking or harassment is an ongoing risk so block or unfriend individuals who will not be your friends after divorce. Unfriend anyone who you do not trust completely.
Despite the safeguards, never assume that anything you say will remain private. Utilize the precautions that were discussed in all of your postings.
Your children’s social media
Children are vulnerable to online bullying and online predators. Monitor your children’s social media posts and find out which platform they use.
Ask to see their posts. You may learn how the divorce is impacting them.
Attorneys can assist spouses during divorce. They can help protect their rights.