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The process of going through a divorce can be one of the most emotionally difficult periods in a person's life. It's expected and natural that during difficult times, we may want and need to reach out to our friends and community for support. Nowadays, because so much of our social lives are conducted online, it can be tricky to navigate the need to find emotional support while still exercising caution about what we post online.
In this blog, we will discuss tips for navigating social media during a divorce.
What You Post May Have Legal Consequences
It’s important to realize that the content that you post on social media during your divorce can have serious legal consequences, such as:
- Providing leverage against you – Anything from financial information to remarks about ongoing negotiations can be used against you if it is seen by your ex or their legal team.
- Damaging your own case – If your posts show you acting in a way that could be interpreted as reckless or unethical, it could reflect badly on you if brought to light in a courtroom setting.
When navigating social media during a divorce, it is important to take extra precautions to protect yourself and your case. Remember that whatever you post could be seen by anyone – including those directly involved in your case – so take extra precautions before sharing any information online.
Social Media Posts Can Generate More Conflict
It’s important to be aware that posting on social media can potentially generate more conflict during a divorce. During a time when tensions may already be heightened, even seemingly benign posts may be interpreted as hurtful or offensive by your ex. While it’s not your responsibility to manage your ex’s emotions or responses, it may be helpful in the long run to take care with the content you post on social media while emotions are so enflamed and the stakes are so high.
It is best to refrain from criticizing your ex on social media while your divorce is still ongoing. In a time when sharing online feels natural and normal, it can be hard to remember that doing so can seriously impact your divorce proceedings. If you feel like you’re getting too emotional while writing a post, try stepping away from the computer for a moment. Take a walk or reach out to a friend on the phone before posting something that could potentially make your situation worse.
Anything You Post Can Be Used Against You
While it can be tempting to vent your frustrations or share updates on the progress of negotiations, doing so could have serious legal consequences and should be avoided. It’s important to remember that anything you post about the divorce online – whether it’s an opinion, financial information, custody arrangements, or even just an emotional outburst – could potentially become leverage against you in court. Even if you think your post is relatively harmless, it could still lead to hurt feelings or more legal issues if seen by those directly involved in the case. Additionally, discussing details about ongoing negotiations online may also give your spouse's lawyer access to critical information that they can use against you in court.
Be aware that even seemingly innocuous posts – a photo of you at a bar with some friends – could be misinterpreted or taken out of context in a way that could harm your case. It’s especially important if you are concerned about custody arrangements that you take care that your posts stand up to potentially exacting scrutiny. And if you are negotiating for spousal support or child support, for instance, posting about expensive vacation or shopping can also be taken out of context and used against you.
Utilize Privacy Settings
It is important to utilize the various privacy settings available on social media platforms for added protection during a divorce. By adjusting these settings, you can control who has access to your posts and information, as well as what type of content is visible to the public. Here are some ways you can use social media privacy settings to your advantage:
- Set posts to “Friends Only” or “Friends of Friends”
- Block users from your account as needed
- Uncheck “Public” when posting
While privacy settings can help, it’s also worth remembering that they aren’t foolproof. You can never be sure if someone might – even unintentionally – share something that could get back to your ex and their lawyers.
Connect with Friends in Person
In addition to utilizing these tips, it’s also important to remember that online relationships don’t replace face-to-face ones. Although social media can provide us with an outlet for communication, it cannot replace the comfort that comes from being surrounded by those who care about us during difficult times. Therefore, embracing real world social connections can make all the difference when going through a major life change such as divorce.
Reach out to family members and close friends who have offered their support during the divorce process - having meaningful conversations without the concerns and anxiety of social media can help you feel connected and understood. You can also spend time exploring new hobbies or activities that you may not have had the chance to try before – perhaps meeting new people and expanding your circle of friends in the process. This can also be a good time to plan small trips or staycations with friends or family members - getting away from the stresses of life for even a short amount of time may leave you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated.
When In Doubt, Consult Your Attorney
If you are ever in doubt about the potential consequences of an action or post, it is essential to consult with your attorney first before taking any further steps. At K. Dean Kantaras, P.A., we are here to help individuals going through a divorce navigate the process with as little stress and difficulty as possible. We know that every situation is different, and we are committed to providing personalized and compassionate legal support to you during your divorce. Our goal is to enable our clients to rebuild their lives in a productive way after their divorce is over.
If you are facing a divorce in Florida, contact us online or call us at (727) 939-6113 to schedule a consultation.