Social media is daily and time-consuming part of our lives especially as we stayed at home over the last few months. But it needs to be used carefully during marriage, while a divorce is ongoing and after the marriage ends.
During marriage
Couples do not have to give up social media and postings are not totally responsible for a couple’s divorce. But social media postings can play a role.
During marriage, and especially if you are considering divorce, do not post negative items about your spouse or use social media to vent about your relationship. Posting complaints and negative information, even to your Facebook’s friend list, can be used against you in divorce proceedings and make matters worse.
Before divorce
If there is a likelihood of divorce, you should take some precautions. Lockdown privacy settings and look over your earlier posts.
It may be impossible to remove posts, but you can limit damage by removing mean-spirited, negative, or lewd posts. You should also review your friends’ list and remove anyone who will cause trouble or try to get damaging information for your spouse.
During divorce
Give attention to your social media posts during divorce. In a contested divorce, your posts on open forums could be used against you. Be careful about your privacy settings and carefully consider who should remain on your friends’ list.
Posts about new romances and expensive purchases or vacations may be used against you during negotiations or when a court rules on support.
Things not to post
Keep your divorce details and frustrations off social media. Property division and child custody issues, for example, are inappropriate posts. You may consider discussing a social media announcement of your divorce with your former spouse if the process was amicable.
Children
Couples should consider negotiating terms on child-related social media posts for their settlement. Limiting pictures and status updates that reveal their personal lives can help protect their privacy.
After divorce
If you are childless, it may be safe to post unfavorable information about your former spouse online after divorce. But negative posts could jeopardize some of your personal and professional relationships.
If you have children, you should keep your posts civil to avoid drama. Negative posts may also negatively impact your children and reflect on your parenting.
Custody issues, like child or spousal support, may be reopened or modified after divorce. An inappropriate post may restrict your custody and visitation rights.
An attorney can assist you with these social media issues and provide other advice. They can also help you obtain a fair and reasonable decree.
