Social Media Advice When You Are Going Through Divorce
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have changed the way that people relate to each other. You can make new friends, reconnect with old friends or just keep in touch with the people you love. During your marriage, you and your spouse may be active on social media and have no problem sharing your lives with others.
Now that you are going through a divorce, you may want to rethink your social media presence. The prevailing advice these days is to stay off social media all together during a divorce. More and more often, courts are allowing evidence from social media into the courtroom. If you think these accounts are private, you may be in for a rude awakening.
If you post a rant about your future former spouse on Facebook, for instance, you may just be blowing off steam and looking to your friends for support. However, your ex could use that rant in court to show that you may not be cooperative when it comes to child custody or other matters. You certainly don’t want to post anything about a new partner, a night out on the town or anything else that your ex could use against you in the divorce.
Even if you block your future former spouse, it does not guarantee that he or she will not gain access to your posts and photos. You and your estranged spouse may be connected to some of the same people. In addition, your ex’s attorney may be able to subpoena your account.
Don’t Hit The Delete Button, Though
Deleting a social media account may look suspicious to the court. Your spouse could even attempt to make a case that you have something to hide otherwise you wouldn’t have deleted your account. Simply staying off the site may be enough. You may want to ask friends or family not to post anything about you or photos of you as well.
Consult With An Attorney
If you have additional questions or concerns regarding the use of social media during a divorce, contact Robert A. Plantz & Associates, LLC, online or at 219-561-0263 for a free initial consultation (excluding landlord-tenant requests). Our Merrillville office serves clients throughout northwest Indiana. Speak with a lawyer today.