Four tips for using social media wisely during divorce

April 06, 2013

Four tips for using social media wisely during divorce

Article provided by Lindsay, Lindsay & Parsons, Attorneys at Law
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In an increasingly connected world, social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter frequently play a major role in divorce cases. According to a survey by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, more than four out of five U.S. divorce lawyers say they have seen an increase in the use of social networking evidence in divorce cases. To avoid sabotaging your own divorce with social media, keep the following tips in mind:

Resist the urge to vent online

It's perfectly normal to feel the need to blow off steam during a divorce, but it is important to exercise restraint when it comes to posting comments about your soon-to-be-ex on Facebook or other social networking sites. Especially during divorce, when emotions are already running high, even a lighthearted joke can easily be misconstrued and used against you, potentially affecting decisions about child custody, alimony or other issues relating to the divorce.

Think twice before "checking in"

Even a seemingly harmless status update, such as a check-in at a bar or restaurant, could end up coming back to haunt you during divorce. Evidence of your whereabouts can be used against you in court in a number of ways you may never have expected -- for instance, to prove infidelity or to suggest that you are an unfit parent. Your location information can also be used to undermine your credibility should it ever conflict with your stated whereabouts.

With this in mind, it is wise not only to refrain from "checking in" during divorce, but also to verify your account settings to ensure that your location is not displayed automatically whenever you post online. Better yet, wait to post until you get home.

Keep your distance online

Even if your breakup has been relatively amicable, it's smart to keep some distance from your ex online during the divorce process; your social media posts can quickly become your biggest liability if things take a turn for the worse. If you haven't already done so, now is the time to change your passwords.

During divorce, be vigilant about your privacy settings, and consider setting up different networks for your own friends and the friends you share with your ex. Even with these precautions, however, bear in mind anything you post online could still make it back to your ex one way or another, so your best bet is to avoid posting anything that you don't want him or her to see.

Consider going offline

No matter how careful you are, there is only one way to make certain that your social networking posts won't be used against you: Don't make any. While it may be difficult, you may wish to consider closing your accounts -- if only until after the divorce.

For more information about protecting your interests during a divorce or custody dispute, contact an experienced family law attorney. A knowledgeable divorce lawyer can be a powerful advocate during divorce and will work hard to achieve your desired outcome.