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5 tips for using social media during divorce

On Behalf of | Feb 1, 2017 | Divorce |

You are going through a divorce, and it is tempting to vent all your anger and frustration to your friends and colleagues on Facebook, or to take subtle digs at your soon-to-be-ex-spouse on Twitter or Instagram. With a keyboard right at your fingertips and no way for your spouse to respond or lash back out, it may seem like the perfect way to get it all out there.

Unfortunately, the things you say on social media can do more to hurt your cause than to help it. Everything from text messages to email can be admissible in court if you aren’t careful.

1. Ask yourself, would grandma approve?

Social media interactions have taken a serious toll on how people treat each other, but the best thing to do when you are thinking of posting something is to take a step back and think about the ramifications of what you are about to say. Anger is the emotion easiest to spread, and if your grandma would not like it, then the court probably will not like it either.

2. Remember, once it is on the internet, it is there forever

Everything you post online can be saved and shared forever. Social media tends to give people a false sense of security where you feel as if you can say anything you want because you are not actually looking the person in the eye. Any time you post, remember that the courts and your spouse can access the information and have it printed for court if they dig far enough.

3. Only post true statements

You may be tempted to go off on an emotional rant about how you have been treated, but everything you post and every comment you make should be truthful, with facts to back them up. Baseless accusations and claims of abuse can hurt your case more than help if they are not true.

4. Consider your reputation

Everything you do to interact online is part of how you present yourself to friends, allies and acquaintances. The things you say reflect on your reputation and character, whether they should or not. If the judge must make a credibility call during the divorce proceedings, these things could come into play.

5. Take a break

If you are angry or hurt and want to post something on social media but are not sure if you should, take a step back. Sleep on it, talk to a friend or go for a walk, and it is likely that the desire to post it will go away once the feelings have settled.

Social media is just one of the challenges of divorce. If you are considering this step and want to have an advocate strongly in your corner protecting your interests, visit with an attorney today.

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