Divorce and Social Media: 6 Social Media Habits You Should Avoid During Your Divorce

In 2021 there were over 4.26 billion social media users worldwide, which is expected to increase to almost six billion by 2027. Social media is a great way to stay connected to friends and family, but many people don’t realize that social media posts are admissible evidence in court during your divorce.

It’s becoming more and more common for photos and posts from social media platforms to be used as evidence in court proceedings. So whether you are considering divorce or are in the middle of one, being mindful of what you’re posting on social media is essential.

If you aren’t sure what you should avoid posting during your divorce, this article can help. We will discuss the top six types of social media activity you should avoid during your divorce.

#1. Avoid Negative Posts About Your Ex

It’s likely that at some point during your divorce, you will need to vent. However, social media isn’t the place to do it. Nasty posts about your soon-to-be ex, the attorneys involved in your case, or even the court system can damage your case during legal proceedings.

Don’t let a moment of anger change the direction of your case. Instead, be mindful and mature about what you post, and to be safe, avoid posting anything about your divorce on social media.

#2. Be Aware of the Photos You Post

If you have been living up the “almost” single life, avoid posting pictures on social media. Photos of you with alcohol or drugs could negatively impact your reputation with the family court judge.

This is especially important to remember if you are fighting for custody of your children. Pictures of you partying or partaking in dangerous activities could send the message that you aren’t a responsible parent.

#3. Don’t Post Anything That Could Falsely Represent Your Financial Status

While you may treat yourself to some extravagances during your divorce, keeping that information off social media is a good idea, especially if these purchases are outside your typical spending habits. Advertising lavish vacations or an expensive new sports car could affect the amount of alimony or child support you receive or are required to pay.

#4. Hold Off Joining Dating Apps

Waiting until your divorce is finalized before you join a dating app may be in your best interest. Joining a dating app while you’re still married could be used as proof of infidelity, even if you are separated.

The same goes for announcing new relationships, especially when children are involved. Announcing a new relationship while you’re still legally married could lead the judge to assess if it’s appropriate to have your children around a new partner during your custody case.

#5. Be Aware of What Others are Posting

Posts on your friends and family’s social media accounts could also affect your divorce. If they post pictures of you out drinking and partying instead of being at home with your children, or if a photo showed you in one place when you said you would be elsewhere, it can be incriminating evidence against you.

Asking your family and friends to avoid posting pictures or comments about your life during your divorce isn’t unreasonable. It can also prevent a broken relationship, as that person could be called as a witness against you during your hearing because of something they posted.

#6. Don’t Delete Anything

As tempting as it may be, avoid deleting your social media accounts or any social media posts without first speaking to your divorce attorney. Everything you post is technically permanent, and someone could have taken a screenshot of the post before you clicked delete.

Although these posts could be used against you, deleting them can be considered destroying evidence which is illegal. The best thing to do is to be mindful of what you’re posting or commenting on when you’re on social media.

Get the Representation You Deserve with Azemika & Azemika Law

Divorce can be challenging, even in the most amicable situations. If you can, avoiding social media altogether is the best way to ensure that a post could negatively affect the outcome of your divorce. However, if you can’t stay off social media during your divorce, make sure you take a second or even a third look before posting something because once something’s on the internet, it’s always out there.

Azemika & Azemika Law specializes in family law cases. We know that each case is unique and use our experience to customize each situation to fit the needs of our clients in Kern County. Our team of experts is dedicated to protecting your interests, financial stability, and the well-being of your family during this difficult time.
For comprehensive representation, contact Azemika & Azemika Law.

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