Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat are powerful social media connectors that allow us to share our ideas and express our opinions. Unfortunately, these fun distractions can also be used as tools against you in court—especially during divorce and custody cases when tensions are already running high! In this article, we’ll teach you how to protect yourself when you use social media during a divorce.
Should I Use Social Media During A Divorce?
Social media platforms can also be very useful in collecting evidence during a divorce or child custody dispute. It is a way for couples to stay informed about the other person’s social activities and friendships.
As anyone who has been through a custody battle knows, just one photograph or status update can change the course of a case. In the midst of a difficult situation, people often post to social media in haste and anger. Sometimes they even post statements about the other spouse which are negative and rude.
In addition, many of these posts can be misconstrued or twisted to benefit the other side’s case. Even if a picture or a statement is erased, it is never truly deleted.
If you feel like you need some legal help, contact our Family Law attorney to schedule a case evaluation today.
FREE CASE EVALUATIONBe Sure To Post Smart
Entire battles are waged on social media during a divorce. Both parents usually post pictures of their children playing in parks or enjoying fun activities to show off their exemplary parenting skills.
But these posts also take on great importance in the courtroom, where they are used evidence in both custody and divorce cases. They can prove that one party is lying about their whereabouts, or that the other party is a more competent parent.
Fortunately, there are several ways that you can protect your privacy during a divorce or custody dispute. Here are just a few:
- Change your passwords for any important sites, preferably to something that your spouse will not be able to guess.
- Don’t post anything about the divorce or custody dispute on social media, particularly anything negative.
- Edit your friend list to make sure it only includes people you genuinely trust.
- Consider just taking a break completely from social media. This can be very liberating during a stressful time!
Taking these simple steps will help ensure that your social media posting is not used to damage your case in court.
Contact Our Team
Although staying off social media during a divorce can keep tensions low, it won’t get rid of all your troubles. The smartest choice you can make during a difficult divorce or custody battle is to meet with an attorney who can assess your situation, give you peace of mind about your social media presence, and help you understand how it may affect your case. You can always call the knowledgeable divorce attorneys at Zirkin and Schmerling at 410-753-4611, or simply make an appointment online to schedule your consultation.