Social Media and Divorce: What You Should Know

If you are planning to get divorced in Florida, it is critical to consider the impact that social media could have on your case. While you might be focused on issues like property division or support, you need to keep in mind that social media is often connected to many other aspects of a divorce case. Indeed, through social media, spouses can obtain information about one another that can be shared with the court, and sometimes that information may be damaging to particular areas of the divorce. While social media might seem like a good way to keep in touch with friends and family during your divorce proceedings, social media can also be damaging. A Jacksonville divorce attorney at our firm can explain more about important social media considerations when you are planning on a divorce.

Understanding the Reach of Social Media 

Most social media platforms allow users to choose between public and private profiles.  It is a common belief that selecting an option to set a social media profile to “private” will preserve privacy but that is not true.  Once any person has access to a private account, that person can then disseminate the information to anyone and everyone. Therefore, it is wise to understand that all social media posts, whether words, or video, are out there for public consumption.  Therefore, if you find yourself involved in a divorce proceeding, it is best to avoid putting any personal information about yourself or family members on social media. In fact, you might consider taking a social media hiatus altogether until your divorce is finalized.

Posts Can Be Used Against You 

Please keep in mind that all information, photos, etc., that you share on social media can be used against you in a court of law, including a family law court.  Even the most innocuous information can be important. You do not have to be seen doing something wrong.   Posts could become evidence when they reveal certain behaviors such as an extramarital affair, excessive drinking, excessive spending, and other equally damaging information. You should never post anything that you would not want your ex to be able to access and to show to a lawyer or to the court. If you are seeking alimony, posts showing that you have substantial assets are posts that your ex could attempt to use against you to avoid paying alimony.

Avoid Social Media References to Your Divorce and Personal Life 

If you are not yet ready to go on a social media hiatus, then it is imperative that you do not make any references to your divorce or your personal life on social media because your spouse can attempt to use those posts against you. It is especially important to avoid negative posts against your spouse as your children generally have access to social media and can view the posts. This is both detrimental to children as well as your case

Contact a Jacksonville Divorce Attorney 

If you have any questions about how to handle social media during your divorce, or if you want assistance coming up with a social media strategy, you should get in touch with an experienced Jacksonville divorce lawyer at The Lasky Law Firm today.

Sources:

forbes.com/advisor/business/social-media-statistics/

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.08.html