Many of us will have the same reaction to getting a divorce – we immediately take to social media to disparage our ex-partners. We say things that may or may not be true, post memes and quotes, and even talk badly about them to other people. This is different from talking about someone to your friends or family. This is posting the information on a public forum that other people can see. Whether you want to take to Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, or any other social media platform out there, do not do it. Lawyers go on social media to gather the information that will benefit their clients. Even if you were factually correct about what you said, it could still backfire on you. Do not underestimate the consequences of posts that you make while you are going through a divorce.
At the same time, pay attention to your ex’s social media posts as they can help you.
Social Media Can Uncover Assets You Didn’t Know Existed
One way that social media can actually benefit you is to prove that your ex-spouse has hidden money from you. While going through a divorce, people will often go on extravagant vacations or make large purchases like a new car, house, or jewelry. If you notice this behavior on social media, it may be a signal that he or she had a hidden bank account. When you work with a divorce lawyer, he or she can look into records to understand where your ex is getting this money.
Now, it could just mean that he or she decided to charge a lot to a credit card; but it could also mean something that will impact you.
Social Media Can Reveal Nefarious Behavior
Who was at fault for the divorce? Social media can help prove that someone had an affair that led to the divorce. Couples who are going through tough times and using social media to cheat or meet people need to understand that their actions can be traced. Even just screenshotting messages or a dating profile can be enough to prove fault. Cheating can actually prevent a spouse from getting alimony or spousal support in some cases. It is important to have screenshots of these activities – videos are even better because they can be trusted.
Social Media Can Impact Custody Agreements
If you are going through a divorce and negotiating custody, social media can directly impact who gets the most time with the children. Showing that someone is engaging in dangerous behavior like drinking or doing drugs, someone has a job that requires them to be out of town for a long time, or just showing that someone doesn’t have the best interests of the children in mind can be enough to leverage more time with your children. Social media posts, in particular Instagram Stories, can be used for this. LinkedIn is also a great way to prove that someone will need to be out of town for a job.
At the same time, social media can show the quality time you spend with your family. It can show that you are willing to be a parent and take care of your children physically, emotionally, and financially.
What To Avoid On Social Media When Going Through A Divorce
When you go through a divorce, you want to avoid making disparaging comments about your ex. While you may have the temptation to do it, you should avoid that. Save those comments for your friends. Being aggressive, negative, or accusatory to your ex can impact many things, including custody agreements. Do not create hostile situations where either you or your ex will have to go on the defensive. The same can be said for emailing or texting your spouse – anything you do on your phone can be screenshot and used against you. If possible, much of your communication should be done via a lawyer.
To connect with a Delaware County divorce lawyer, call us now: (215) 515-8464 We can help you to talk to your ex and sort things out without going on social media and implicating yourself.