Ending a marriage is stressful but still requires you to be cautious on how you act and what you say. Social media posts can be permanent and widely seen so they require your special discretion.
The right time
Anything you say on social media can be used against you in a divorce, impact matters such as support and child custody and visitation and harm your relationship with your children and former spouse.
The first tip is, if you have an amicable relationship, to speak to your soon-to-be former spouse about social media strategy, when to make the on-line announcement of the split up or having an agreement on keeping quiet about the divorce. Provide notice of changes to your online friendship status if you are undergoing an amicable divorce.
If there is jealousy or tension, you may want to block your spouse from your posts and remove their friend status.
Negativity
Saying mean-spirited things online about your spouse creates tension among the couple undergoing divorce and is also hurtful to family and friends. Certain posts may antagonize the judge in your case.
Negative posts about your spouse are especially harmful for your children.
Details
No good comes from posting details about your divorce. Once a post is online, it may be there forever.
Posts can be used against you in court. Present and future employers and potential new relationships should not have access to intimate details of your split up. Posting this information may also be unwittingly providing intelligence to your spouse’s attorney.
Bragging is harmful
Posts about your latest purchases, vacations, new relationship, or wild evening out with friends may be used against you in custody and visitation, support, and other divorce matters. Eighty-one percent of divorce attorneys, according to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, saw an increase in the number of cases involving the use of social media evidence.
Humble bragging is also inappropriate bragging. This occurs when a person makes a seemingly modest or self-deprecating statement to indirectly boast about themselves. Posts about your life being better without your spouse or your new relationship antagonize others and delay you moving on with your life.
Spying
Avoid the temptation and stress associated with researching your spouse’s new Facebook friends or Instagram texts. It may also be illegal to use your soon-to-be ex’s password to access password-protected information.
Blocking your spouse
Attorneys can assist you with developing a plan to deal with divorce matters and any problems caused by your spouse. They can also represent your interests in negotiations and proceedings.