Should You Stay Off Social Media During a Divorce?

As the Saying Goes: ‘Better Safe Than Sorry’

We all know social media has become an important part of how we communicate and interact with others. Used to document everything from our everyday lives to the most extraordinary events and accomplishments, it is a way of sharing with family and friends in an instantaneous, but also very public way. However, your actions on social media leading up to your divorce and during the divorce process may very well be taken into consideration during any negotiations or court appearances. As family law attorneys, In Law We Trust Divorce and Family Lawyers sees examples of how social media can not only negatively impact the emotional status of the parties to the divorce, but also have an overall impact on the outcome of the divorce settlement.

Be Careful

You don’t need to stay away from social media entirely, but you do need to understand that what you post may affect your divorce proceedings. A good rule of thumb is to try not to be impulsive. Take the time to understand the possible ramifications of what you post, who will eventually view it, and think through what kind of messages (or subliminal messages) you are really sending. In other words, think twice before you use your social media account.

We understand that divorce can be an emotionally charged time for everybody involved, but a reckless tweet, post, or photo, shared from your computer or phone can end up reflecting badly on you! This snapshot in time may present the wrong impression and depict you as someone other than who you really are. Also, while this may be very difficult to refrain from- don’t block your spouse on social media. This can be viewed as an unwillingness to communicate, particularly when children are involved.

In Law We Trust Divorce and Family Lawyers Tips for Social Media Use

Here are some basic tips that we give our clients:

• Never post anything negative about your spouse

• Don’t share your inner thoughts about any aspects of your divorce

• Don’t post photos of wild nights out or extravagant meals and vacations

• Don’t brag about or show off any new purchases especially ones that show reckless financial behavior

• Don’t post pictures of you consuming alcohol or exhibiting other risky types of behavior around minors

• Don’t post information that your spouse/ex-spouse is not aware of regarding your child’s activities and events

• Don’t share certain types of sensitive family news (good or bad) without considering your spouse/ex-spouse right to know first

• If you think something might be hurtful or misinterpreted, be safe and do not post

• If you have an order of protection from your spouse, be aware that any post may be an avenue for getting information into the wrong hands

Be Smart

In Law We Trust Divorce and Family Lawyers will provide you with detailed advice on your social media use during divorce. We tell our clients to imagine that someday a judge may be looking at their social media postings. Any actions that are recorded on a public forum are fair game as evidence. Be careful of your on-line usage, and call us to help you work through any of the social media issues that you may be facing.

Call The Family Law Experts Men Trust (813) 415-3510

In Law We Trust Divorce and Family Lawyers is a premier firm of divorce lawyers representing men in family law proceedings. We are uniquely positioned to assist our clients with the challenges men face in Florida’s court system. Call us today and get the proper representation men need and deserve.