4 Tips for Dodging the Dangers of Social Media Use in Divorce

Staying connected with the news and loved ones can be just a few of the reasons that people regularly use social media. When proceeding with a divorce – especially one that may involve custody issues – using social media can be tricky, if not potentially dangerous.
This is because the things people say and post on social media networks may end up causing them to lose important ground in divorce negotiations or proceedings.
To help people dodge these issues and avoid doing anything that could hurt them in divorce, below, we will point out some essential tips for social media use in divorce.

Using Social Media in Divorce: What You Should Know

Tip 1 – Don’t Make Comments About Your Ex or Ongoing Divorce Case.

Even if you are frustrated, angry or upset, do NOT air your grievances about your ex or your divorce case online in social media. These comments can be used by an ex’s divorce lawyer to try to establish that you may not be stable, you have lied in your divorce paperwork or even that you may not be willing to work with your ex on custody (or other) issues. If successful, such arguments can sway a court to rule in favor of your ex on various issues, potentially costing you significantly in divorce.

Tip 2 – Be Very Careful About the Photos You Post.

Pictures you share on social media can also be fodder for an ex’s divorce lawyer, as these photos may also be used in an attempt to reduce support payments and/or disparage you, your reputation, and/or your ability to care for your child in the future.
For example, if you post a picture of you partying with friends or enjoying some luxurious activities, an ex’s lawyer may argue that you have a lifestyle that isn’t appropriate for your children or that you clearly don’t need the support payments you have requested (because you are clearly enjoying a comfortable lifestyle, as displayed in your photos).
So, the bottom line here is to think twice – or even three or four times – before posting any photos in social media during divorce.

Tip 3 – Change Your Account Passwords and Privacy Settings.

In all likelihood, during your marriage, your ex was at the very least one of your connections in social media. It’s also true for many people, however, that exes know their login information, including passwords.
If either of these issues may pertain to you, change your privacy settings and passwords for your social media accounts ASAP. Limiting the access your ex has to these accounts – and your postings – can be crucial to protecting your interests in divorce.

Tip 4 – Consider Setting Up New Accounts.

If you are connected to a lot of people who are closer to your ex (like, for instance, your ex’s family members and friends), you may want to just start fresh in social media and set up some brand new accounts. This can help you effectively only share with people who are truly your friends and family while weeding out those who may be monitoring your posts online during divorce.

Contact a Scottsdale Divorce & Family Lawyer at the Law Office of Karen A. Schoenau

When you want experienced representation in divorce, it is time to contact Scottsdale Divorce & Family Lawyer Karen Schoenau.
To learn more about how Karen Schoenau of the Law Office of Karen A. Schoenau can help you, schedule an initial consultation with her today. You can set up this meeting by calling (480) 209-1918 or by emailing us using the drop-down contact form at the top of this page.
From her offices based in Scottsdale, Attorney Karen Schoenau represents clients throughout the metropolitan Scottsdale area, including Scottsdale, Mesa, Surprise, Maricopa County, Pinal County, Gila County and throughout the state of Arizona.