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What about my children, can they use social media during my divorce?
Can what my friends say about me on social media be used in court?
What about dating apps- can lawyers find the ones I’m on?
Should I delete all my social media accounts during my divorce?
You have rights on social media during a divorce: one of them is to keep your mouth shut!
Period. Stop using it altogether during your divorce. Talk to friends on the phone or in person, and remember phone calls can be recorded. You just have to watch what you say- everywhere.
Social Media Addiction and Divorce
Social media is clearly a big part of everyone’s life these days. It is an addiction, similar to smoking or alcohol. And maybe fun sometimes, but NOT during a divorce!
During a divorce, it’s crucial to understand that social media can pose a significant threat to your case and your future. The best advice is to avoid using social media altogether during this time. If possible, close all your accounts. I know, the ‘horror’, right?
You know what the real horror is? If a judge sees your social media and decides you ARE AN UNFIT PARENT, AND TAKES YOUR CHILDREN AWAY.
Think of each one of your social media accounts as a witness, a person called to testify in your case. What will they say about you? Will your own words be your downfall?
Why Should You Avoid Social Media Altogether During a Divorce?
Because Anything You Post Can AND WILL Be Used AGAINST You in Court!
The first thing a good opposing lawyer will look for is what you post on social media. Every post, comment, like, or share can be used as evidence against you in court. Even seemingly innocent posts can be taken out of context and twisted to harm your case.
Just think of it this way: if a judge reads your social media posts, will they ‘LOL”?? Or will they take your kids away and award child custody to your spouse?
What about my children, can they use social media during my divorce?
No, absolutely not, unless you are going to sit on their laps every waking moment to make sure they don’t give away any secrets. Here’s an example of what can go wrong if your kids use social media during a divorce: what if you are the better parent, but your kids like the other parent more because they let the kids get away with things?
What if your kids say they want to live with the other parent, on Facebook, and this gets brought up in court? It could cost you thousands of dollars to unravel this mess.
Can what my friends say about me on social media be used in court?
Do you have ‘big mouthed’ friends?
Think about it. You may stop blabbing on social media, but what about the stuff you tell your friends, ‘in confidence’? In most cases, you’re dreaming if you think your confidences will be kept. If you have told several of your friends that you were having an affair, but you’re sure your ‘ex’ won’t find out, what if one of them mentions it, by accident, to another person on Facebook?
Now you’re really cooked! Because when you stand up in court and deny having an affair, and the opposing side shows your friend’s posts about it, the judge surely will ‘LOL’!!
The judge will laugh out loud while they hammer your case into the ground.
What about dating apps- can lawyers find the ones I’m on?
The short answer: Yes. They can find you on dating apps. How? By posing as a person interested in someone of your description and location. If they do this on enough platforms, there is a good chance they will find your profile. Just cool it for a while. Date the old-fashioned way: in-person.
Potential Pitfalls of Social Media Use;
Contradictory Information
If your social media posts contradict your statements in court, your credibility could be severely damaged. For example, claiming financial hardship while posting about expensive purchases can hurt your case.
Emotional Outbursts
Social media can be a tempting outlet for venting frustrations. However, emotional or impulsive posts about your spouse or the divorce can reflect poorly on you and be used to demonstrate instability or animosity.
Third-Party Posts
Even if you’re careful, friends and family might not be. Tags, mentions, and shared photos can also be brought into court, potentially causing unintended harm.
Privacy Is an Illusion
While you can tighten your privacy settings, nothing on social media is truly private. Screenshots can be taken, and information can be shared beyond your intended audience. Assume that anything you post can and will be seen by your spouse’s legal team.
Best Practices for Social Media During Divorce
Complete Social Media Hiatus
The safest course of action is to take a break from all social media platforms during your divorce. This eliminates the risk of posting anything that could negatively impact your case.
Consult Your Lawyer
Before making any decisions about your social media use, talk to a competent divorce lawyer. They can provide guidance specific to your situation and help you understand the potential legal ramifications.
Focus on Offline Support
Instead of turning to social media, seek support from close friends, family, or professional counselors. These offline interactions are less likely to complicate your legal proceedings.
Conclusion
In the midst of a divorce, social media can be a minefield. To protect your interests and ensure the best possible outcome, it’s wise to avoid using social media entirely. Anything you post can and likely will be scrutinized and potentially used against you in court. By taking a hiatus from social media and focusing on offline support, you can navigate your divorce with fewer complications and greater peace of mind.
Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. Consult a lawyer for legal advice. This is for marketing purposes and general information only.
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