As a family law firm that specializes in a holistic approach, we understand the complexities of navigating the social media landscape during a divorce. Social media can be a valuable tool for connecting with friends, family, and support networks during this challenging time. It can also be a minefield if not used with caution.
In this post, we will outline five social media pitfalls to avoid when going through a divorce to help you make the most of this valuable tool while keeping your divorce proceedings on track.
Pitfall #1: Posts That Could Be Used as Evidence
Evidence gathered from social media can play a crucial role in the outcome of a divorce case. Even seemingly harmless or insignificant posts could harm your case if they are used against you in a divorce proceeding.
Be careful when posting about your spouse, children, or assets. For example, pictures of expensive vacations or cars could potentially harm your case if you are seeking support. Forensic computer experts can even retrieve deleted data from your devices.
Avoid posting anything that could even remotely be used as evidence against you.
Pitfall #2: Contradicting Yourself
Be careful of the information you post on social media as it could contradict the case you are trying to make in divorce proceedings. For instance, if you post about spending all your time at parties or events but are claiming to have a stable and secure home environment, this could create inconsistencies and harm your credibility.
It is crucial to think twice before posting anything on social media that could potentially undermine your arguments in the divorce proceedings.
Pitfall #3: Venting
Venting on social media may feel cathartic in the moment, but it can work against you in the long run. Your posts can be misinterpreted or taken out of context, and your words can be wielded against you. It is easy to get caught up in the moment and post things out of emotion. These posts could be twisted to form a narrative that doesn’t accurately reflect who you are on a daily basis.
Venting could also make the divorce more contentious, which could lead to an expensive court battle. Attorneys make more money and leave less for you and your spouse when you engage in litigation.
Instead of venting, take this time as an opportunity to heal and set a positive foundation for your next chapter in life. Get some exercise, vent to a therapist, practice gratitude. Delete social media from your phone if you must! But please, resist the temptation to vent on social media during divorce.
Not only is taking the high road beneficial for your mental well-being, but it also increases the chance of a collaborative divorce. This means that you will likely keep more of your assets and money, instead of giving it to your lawyers.
Pitfall #4: Thinking Your Internet Activity is Truly Private
Even if your social media accounts are set to private, there are still ways your posts can be accessed and used against you. Anyone who sees your posts can take screenshots and share them. Someone could even obtain a subpoena for your information. To minimize the risk, assume that nothing is truly private online. Be mindful of what you post and avoid anything that could be considered controversial.
Pitfall #5: Not Consulting with an Attorney Before Posting on Social Media
If you’re facing a divorce, it’s wise to seek the guidance of a skilled attorney. They will not only represent you in proceedings, but also act as a divorce coach, guiding you through the entire process and helping you understand the potential consequences of your actions. A good divorce lawyer will also help you navigate the complexities of social media during divorce. They will help ensure that your online presence does not negatively impact your case.
In Conclusion
Divorce can be a difficult journey, but with the right approach, social media can be a valuable tool for connecting with friends, family, and support networks and finding solace during this time. It is important to be mindful of what you post. Remember, your content can have a lasting impact on your divorce proceedings.
If you are currently going through a divorce or are considering it, we encourage you to schedule a free 30-minute discovery call to discuss your case and see how we can help you navigate this challenging time. You can call us at (770) 217-0798 to set that up or schedule an appointment here. Remember, taking the right approach with social media can make all the difference in your divorce proceedings.
Jeanette Soltys, J.D., is a distinguished Georgia divorce attorney and a leading authority in alternative dispute resolution techniques such as amicable divorce. She obtained her Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law and is admitted to the bar in the state of Georgia. Additionally, she is a Certified Amicable Divorce Professional (CADP).