What You Need to Know About Using Social Media During Your Divorce

 Posted on January 21, 2021 in Divorce

If you are like most people living in the United States in the 21st century, you use social media on a daily basis. Apps and websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok allow you to connect with friends and family, follow news stories, and communicate with others who share your interests. However, this level of connection may also have its drawbacks, especially if you are going through a divorce. As you go through the process of ending your marriage, you should take steps to protect your privacy and avoid any issues that could affect your divorce case.

Social Media and Privacy Concerns

During the divorce process, making sure your personal information is private is likely to be a major concern. If you and your spouse have shared a computer or other electronic devices, you may have had access to each other’s social media accounts. To ensure that your spouse cannot log into your account to view your personal information or make posts in your name, you will want to change your passwords, and you may also want to update your account settings to make sure you can only log in from certain devices.

You should also be aware of privacy settings on the posts you make. While you may be able to restrict access to certain posts so they can only be viewed by your close friends or family members, you should be prepared for the possibility that your spouse could still view this information. For example, a mutual friend may decide to take a screenshot of a message or photo you posted and send it to your spouse. To make sure your privacy is protected, you may want to avoid posting or sharing any information that you would not want your spouse to see.

Avoiding Legal Issues

In some cases, the information you share on social media could be used against you, even if you believe that it has nothing to do with your divorce. Some types of posts that you may want to avoid include:

• Complaints about your ex - Social media may seem like the perfect place to vent about your divorce, but it is best to avoid disparaging your spouse. Negative comments can make it more difficult for the two of you to get along, and this could affect your ability to negotiate a divorce settlement. If you are addressing child custody issues, you will want to show that you will be able to cooperate with each other as you raise your children, so it is best to avoid antagonistic behavior that could threaten your co-parenting relationship.

• Information about your finances - While you will probably not be discussing the income you earn, certain types of posts could be used to show your financial situation. For example, if you share a photo of an expensive item you purchased recently, such as a new TV or video game console, this could be seen as an indication that you have disposable income that could go toward paying child support or spousal maintenance.

• Behavior that could be seen as inappropriate - If you are a parent, certain types of posts on social media could be used to argue that you present a danger to your children’s health and well-being. Messages discussing the use of alcohol or marijuana or photos that show you participating in unsafe activities could be used by your ex as evidence in child custody proceedings to claim that you are not fit to care for your children.

Contact Our DuPage County Divorce Attorneys

If you have questions about social media use during your divorce, the attorneys of Calabrese Associates, P.C. can help you understand your rights and work with you to address the legal issues that you may face. We will provide you with experienced representation throughout the divorce process, helping you achieve an outcome that allows you to move forward with your life successfully. Contact our Naperville divorce lawyers today at 630-393-3111.

Sources:

https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/blog/divorce-and-social-networks

https://www.worthy.com/blog/divorce/relationships/social-media-your-ex-post-divorce-etiquette/