There was a time when the Internet was not even a thing. And now, people in Newton cannot go one day without scrolling through their Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds. These social media platforms have become a significant part of our daily routine. However, if you are going through a divorce, you should understand how to use these platforms responsibly.
When you have an ongoing legal case, be it a divorce case, your social media is constantly monitored by your spouse and their attorney. Anything you post, like, or comment on can be brought to the courtroom. If you must use social media, your Newton divorce lawyer should be able to tell you how to be safe and careful.
Should you delete your social media accounts?
Absolutely not. Many people believe that it is best to deactivate or delete social media accounts to prevent the other party from lurking and getting any information. However, that can be damaging for two main reasons.
The first is that deleting your Facebook or Twitter account can be equal to deleting evidence. Social media contents are taken into consideration during divorce case hearings. The other party could potentially put the accusation of spoliation.
Secondly, deleting a certain post can give the other party a chance to make weird accusations. For example, you might have deleted a certain picture because your hair looked bad in it. But your ex’s lawyer can say that you deleted it because you were drunk.
Can you post anything you want once the divorce is finalized?
Technically, yes. You are free to post whatever you wish once your divorce is done. However, you should still limit certain things. For example, if you show on social media that all you do is go partying with your friends, that could raise custody issues. Your ex’s divorce lawyer can use your social media posts to change the terms of the custody agreement.
Another potential issue is alimony and child support agreements. For instance, posting about a big promotion at work or showing off your new luxury purchases on social media can cost you. The other party’s attorney can use this information to increase the amount you pay in child support or alimony.
The key is to stay on good terms with your ex-spouse, especially if there are children involved. Not only is this healthier for your children, but it will decrease the likelihood of them using your social media posts against you.
Here are some tips to keep in mind.
- Think twice before making a post and consider the legal implications.
- Update your privacy settings to ensure only your followers and friends see your posts.
- Do not discuss the divorce in your posts or comment sections.
