Why You Should Be Careful Using Social Media During an Illinois Divorce

 Posted on July 21, 2023 in Divorce

It may be tempting to use social media as a source of support during your divorce case. While there are benefits to using social media, there may also be drawbacks. What you post on your social media accounts may be used as evidence against you in the divorce proceedings. Accordingly, you be careful when you want to discuss any details about your case in a public setting,

Your Social Media Posts May Not Be as Private as You Think

Even if you have your posts set to “friends only,” your spouse’s attorney may have a way to access them. Each contested divorce case has a discovery process where the attorneys can gather evidence that is in the other’s possession. Your spouse’s attorney may be able to seek your social media posts, and you will be obligated to produce them.

Pictures and Statements Can Be Evidence in Your Case

There are things that can be used against you in your case. For example, if you are being accused of adultery, pictures of you with another person could be used to prove the case for a fault divorce. In addition, you may need to take the stand to testify in your own case. If you have made any statements on social media that are inconsistent with what you have said under oath, your spouse’s attorney may use them to challenge your testimony and credibility.

It Is Usually Not Worth it to Say it Online

While you may get short-term satisfaction from the support and validation that you receive from posting on social media, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Once you have posted, you have created an accessible public record. You could do irreparable damage to your case and your legal position. The long-term consequences of what you say today far outweigh any emotional benefits that you may get from public validation.

It Is a Good Idea to Unfriend Your Spouse

Some people want to remain friends with their soon-to-be-ex-spouse. You can do that without remaining friends with them on social media. Even if your divorce is proceeding amicably today, it may not remain that way in the future. You do not want to give your spouse a window into your thinking and possibly your legal strategy.

Contact a Naperville Divorce Lawyer Today

The DuPage County divorce lawyers at Calabrese Associates, P.C. can guide you on practical matters while your divorce case is pending. It is always better to err on the side of caution, and we can give you advice. You can call us today at 630-393-3111 to discuss your case.

Source:

https://www.isba.org/ibj/2014/06/buildingyourcasewithsocialmediaevid