When the police arrest someone, they read them their Miranda rights. They warn them that anything they say can and will be used against them.
If you are divorcing, the same applies to social media. Anything you post or say on social media could be used against you.
What is wrong with posting on social media during a divorce?
As many people have found out, what goes on social media, stays on social media. Even if you post something and delete it immediately, someone may capture a screenshot.
Here are a few scenarios that your spouse and their legal team could use to gain an advantage in your divorce:
- Photos of you catching up with your ex: You may have stayed good friends with an old partner. If your spouse finds lots of pictures of you with them, they may suggest you were seeing them while married. While that may directly affect your divorce, it could cause some embarrassment.
- Photos of you partying: When your marriage is falling apart, you may let off steam with friends. For some people, this is a heart-to-heart chat over coffee. For others, it involves a night out and lots of alcohol. If your spouse wants to keep custody of your child, they may use photos of you drinking to suggest you are not fit to care for your child.
- Derogatory comments: Emotions can run high during a divorce. You can end up in high-conflict situations. Avoid telling the world what you think of your spouse on social media. Your spouse could use it to convince a judge that you are vindictive and mistreated them.
When preparing for divorce, check your social media privacy settings. You do not need to delete your account, but you need to limit who can see your posts. It may be best to avoid posting altogether.
Working with an experienced advocate during your divorce is a wise decision. If you have any doubts about your social media use during your divorce, talk it over with them.
