From sharing photos and stories with family and friends to finding emotional support during stressful times, social media has become a natural part of daily life. Nearly 70% of U.S. adults use Facebook, and most people who have an account visit the site at least once a day.
Unfortunately, it can be easy to forget just how public images and comments shared online really are, even with privacy settings enabled. If you are facing divorce, you should know that anything posted online may become evidence that informs the court’s decisions regarding property division, custody or parenting time and child or spousal support.
1. Making compromising posts
During a contentious separation, even an innocent-seeming post may paint a negative picture of your behavior when taken out of context. Photographs or comments about parties and/or drinking, vacations or a new romantic partner may impact how the court views your responsibility and honesty.
2. Sharing details about large purchases
You should also be careful about sharing financial details online. Whether you just received a substantial promotion, bought a new car or made an expensive personal purchase, keep in mind that information you post may raise questions about income and expenses that could impact property division and support decisions.
3. Posting disparaging comments
You may find yourself using social media as an emotional outlet for feelings of anger or betrayal toward your future ex-spouse. However, while making disparaging comments may feel good in the moment, doing so may only intensify animosity, compromise your case in court or even cause emotional harm to shared children.
