How Can Social Media Affect Your Divorce?
Social media has become huge within the last decade. Many people can’t seem to go a day without posting something on their Facebook or Twitter pages. However, if you are in the process of getting divorced, you have to be more careful about how you use social media. Each Arlington TX family lawyer from our firm has witnessed people sabotage their divorces by posting the wrong things on their Facebook pages. Before you post anything on social media, keep these things in mind:
Your Spouse May Be Able to See Your Posts
Even if you blocked your spouse a long time ago, don’t assume that he or she can’t see anything you post on your Facebook page. Your spouse may have asked family members or friends to periodically check your Facebook page and then report what they saw. That’s why you shouldn’t post anything on your Facebook page that you wouldn’t want your spouse to know about.
It Isn’t Wise to Brag on Social Media
If you just booked a cruise or bought a hot new car, you may be tempted to share the news on your Facebook page. This isn’t a good idea. Bragging about any recent purchases can negatively impact your divorce case. For example, if you told the judge that you can’t afford your current child support payments but posted about the big vacation you just took, the judge may assume you’re being dishonest about your financial situation.
The Check-In Feature Can Backfire on You
If you are eating at a restaurant or drinking cocktails with friends on a Saturday night, you might check-in your location on Facebook and not think anything of it. However, doing this can actually affect your divorce. For instance, if you went out with your friends and hired a babysitter to watch your kids, your spouse might tell the judge that you aren’t spending enough time with them, which could affect your child custody arrangement later on.
Certain Photos Can Put You in a Negative Light
When you are in the middle of a divorce, it’s especially important to be careful about the what photos you post on your Facebook page. For example, if you post a photo of yourself and friends intoxicated at a bar, your spouse might show that to the judge and claim that you aren’t a good role model for your kids.
Bad-Mouthing Your Spouse Isn’t a Good Idea
If your spouse has really angered you during the entire divorce process, venting about it on Facebook might seem like a good way to blow off steam and get support from others. However, the people you have on your friends’ list may be close to your spouse. Talking poorly about your spouse may make them feel uncomfortable.
Going through a divorce on your own can be scary. An Arlington TX family lawyer from our firm can help you through the process and look out for your best interests. Call us at Brandy Austin Law to set up a free consultation to get detailed answers to the question of how can social media affect your divorce and any other issues that can cause problems in the divorce process.
