These days, most people are heavily tied into their social media accounts; it's become a big part of daily life. When you're filing for divorce, you may not realize it but how you act on social media sites such as Facebook can actually have an impact on the outcome of your divorce, and not in a good way.
Just ask any divorce attorney, one of the first places they look for incriminating evidence against a spouse is online, or more specifically on their social media accounts. With that in mind, here are some important tips on how to conduct yourself on social media while your divorce is pending.
1. Don't be so quick to change your status to "single." Thinking about changing your status to single before you're divorced? Not a good idea. This opens the door to a flurry of comments, some of which will be unsolicited opinions. Although you are living apart, you're technically married. It's best to wait until the divorce is final.
2. Don't badmouth your spouse or anyone else. It may be tempting to vent on Facebook, but it's not a good idea. It doesn't make you look good, and it won't help your case. You also don't want to say bad things about your spouse's attorney, or more importantly, the judge handling your case. Judges are human, and they don't take kindly to such treatment.
3. Watch what you post. Don't post pictures of a new sweetheart, and don't post pics of alcohol, bars, clubbing, or anything else that doesn't paint you in the best light. This is especially true if you're in the middle of a child custody battle, since risqué photos of you or partying pics can be used as ammunition.
4. Be modest about extravagant spending. It's better to hold off on any extravagant purchases until after the divorce is over. If you do buy an expensive new car, or take a luxurious vacation, it's better not to post about it on social media, especially if there's any issue over spousal support payments.
5. Don't let others tag you in pictures. During a divorce, this is the time to be as private as possible. Make sure that other people don't post pictures of you, and don't let them tag you in pics. If they do, it will be easier for the opposing counsel to track your every move.
6. Keep your children out of it. Judges frown on parents who post about what they have or have not told their children on Facebook. Child custody is a highly sensitive issue, so it's best to leave the subject out of your posts.
We understand, it can be hard to stay completely off of social media. However, during your divorce proceedings, it is critical that you exercise the greatest discretion. We're not saying that you should deactivate your accounts, but when in doubt, it's safer if you don't post.
If you're looking for a divorce attorney in Encino or the San Fernando Valley, contact Cutter & Lax to work with a Board Certified family law specialist.
