Don’t Let Social Media Complicate Your Divorce

How Social Media Can Complicate Divorce

Divorce can be a complicated process, and social media has only added to the challenge. With so much of our lives now being spent online, there are more opportunities for information to be shared that can potentially complicate a divorce. In some cases, social media can even be used as evidence in a divorce case. Here, we discuss how social media can influence the divorce process. We also will discuss what you should and should not be doing with social media while going through a divorce.

The Trouble With Social Media During Divorce

If you are considering a divorce or are already in the midst of one, here are a few ways that social media can complicate things.

Social Media Can Be Used as Evidence in a Divorce Case

Anything that you post on social media can be used as evidence in your divorce case. This includes:

• Posts
• Photos
• Comments
• Private messages

Even if you delete something, it can still be retrieved and used as evidence if your estranged spouse has suspicions about infidelity or other unsavory behavior. This is why it’s important to be careful about what you post online during a divorce.

Social Media Can Be Used to Track Your Activities

If you are trying to keep things from your estranged spouse during a divorce, they may use social media to track your activities. This could include looking at your posts, photos, and comments to see what you’ve been up to. They may also look at your friends list to see if you’ve been talking to anyone they don’t know.

Social Media Can Be Used to Harass or Threaten You

Unfortunately, social media can also be used as a tool for harassment or threats. If your estranged spouse is angry and trying to make the divorce process as difficult as possible, they may use social media to try to intimidate or scare you. This can be a very emotionally charged time, and it’s important to be aware of the potential for this kind of behavior.

Ways to Protect Yourself on Social Media During a Divorce

Fortunately, there are things you can do to protect yourself from these potential consequences of social media during a divorce. Here are some key tips to keep in mind.

1. Avoid Social Media Use If Possible

If you can, it’s best to avoid using social media altogether. This will help to prevent any information from being shared that could potentially be used against you. If you must use social media, be mindful of what you post, and consider seeking advice from a divorce lawyer.

2. Don’t Make Negative Posts About Your Ex-Spouse

It can be tempting to vent about your estranged spouse on social media, but this is something you should avoid at all costs. Not only could this be used as evidence against you, but it can also make the divorce process more difficult. If you need to vent, do so in private with a trusted friend or family member.

3. Avoid Posting Intimate Imagery From the Marriage

If you have any photos or videos that are intimate in nature, it’s a good idea to avoid posting them on social media. Even if they are from before the divorce, your estranged spouse could still use them against you.

4. Don’t Friend or Follow Your Ex-Spouse on Social Media

Avoid friending or following your estranged spouse on social media. This will help to prevent them from being able to see what you’re posting and avoid any potential arguments.

5. Take a Look at Your Friends List

If you are concerned about your estranged spouse tracking your activities on social media, take a look at your friends list. Mutual friends may be sharing information about you without you realizing it. Additionally, if there are people on your list that you don’t want your estranged spouse to see, consider unfriending or blocking them.

6. Change Your Privacy Settings

If you are worried about your estranged spouse being able to see your social media activity, you can change your privacy settings. Most platforms allow you to control who can see your posts, photos, and comments. You can also choose to make your profile completely private so that only people you approve can see it.

7. Keep It Vague

If you must use social media during your divorce, be careful about the details you share. Don’t post anything that could potentially be used against you in court. This includes details about your:

• Financial situation
• New relationship
• Daily activities

8. Remove Any Mentions of Your Relationship Status

If you are still technically married, it’s best to remove any mention of your relationship status on social media. This will help to prevent your spouse from being able to use it against you. Once the divorce is finalized, you can then change your status if you’d like.

9. Don’t Go Looking for “Dirt”

During a divorce, it can be tempting to snoop on your spouse’s social media activity. However, this is something you should avoid. Not only is it a violation of their privacy, but it can also backfire on you if you find something you don’t like.

10. View Your Online Presence as Others May See It

When posting on social media, it’s important to remember that anything you share could potentially be seen by others. This includes:

• Your spouse
• Their divorce lawyers
• The court

With this in mind, it’s best to avoid sharing anything that you wouldn’t want them to see. This might be a good time to scroll through your profile’s public view and remove anything that could be used against you, including posts from before the divorce.

11. Keep a Record of Any Harassing Behavior

If your spouse is using social media to harass you, be sure to keep a record of it. This can be used as evidence in court if necessary. Additionally, you can report any harassing behavior to the social media platform in question, and they may take action against the user. You can take screenshots of the posts in question or save them to a file so that you have a record of them.

12. Keep an Eye on Your Kids

Divorce makes it more vital than ever to keep an eye on your kids’ social media activity. Make sure to talk to your kids about appropriate online behavior and help them to understand the importance of privacy settings. Additionally, you should know what platforms they are using and who their friends are. This information can allow you to better support your child during this difficult and vulnerable time.

While social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family, it can also complicate a divorce. However, by following the tips above, you can minimize the impact social media has on your divorce. It’s also important to keep in mind that everyone’s situation is different, so be sure to speak with a New Jersey divorce lawyer about what is appropriate for you and your case. If you have any questions or concerns about social media use during your divorce, contact the Law Office of Kelly Berton Rocco at 201-343-0078 to schedule a consultation.