Social media is a central part of our lives. We rely on the convenience of Facebook and Twitter to stay in touch with friends and family, or to help us through difficult times when we need advice. As you go through a divorce, you may be more tempted than usual to turn to social media – to voice out your frustrations toward your ex or to seek comfort in the familiarity of your friends.
But before you press post, you should remember that anything you say online during the divorce can become evidence against you. Instead of cutting social media out of your life entirely, consider the following tips to help you through the divorce:
- Don’t post about your ex. Even if you have something positive to say, it’s best to exercise caution and not mention your ex online at all. Bad-mouthing your ex can especially come back to hurt you in the divorce.
- Don’t block your ex. While it sounds like an easy solution to avoid your ex from seeing your posts, when you block your ex online, it may seem like you have something to hide. It also doesn’t guarantee your ex won’t see your posts – a mutual friend can take screenshots and share them with your ex.
- Don’t post about a new partner. If you’re going on a date or have already started a new relationship, it may be wise not to publicize it. Posts about a new partner can especially be hurtful if you have children, and your former spouse uses your new relationship as a reason for why you shouldn’t have custody.
- Don’t delete your old posts. Deleting past posts can also seem like you have something to hide. And remember, the internet is forever, so chances are your ex – or a mutual friend – has already saved a screenshot of your old posts.
- Don’t share new purchases. Dividing assets can be a complicated part of the divorce, and social media can reveal questionable spending habits. Social media can also disclose hidden assets, so keep photos of a new car or an expensive trip you just took to yourself.
- Don’t check into a location. One of the ways your spouse can use social media against you is through location tracking. When you check into your favorite bar or fancy restaurant regularly, especially during weekends, when you should be watching the kids, it can show how you choose to spend your time and be evidence against you during custody agreements.
Social media should be fun, not a tool used against you during a divorce. It’s unreasonable to expect anyone to cut social media out completely, but you should be careful about what you post. The more cautious you are, the better your chances will be that your former spouse will be unable to use your posts against you.
