In this day and age, social media is a staple of our everyday lives. It allows us to stay connected with friends, family, and even casual acquaintances. As powerful as this source of communication is, it comes with certain dangers for maintaining our personal lives off the internet, dangers that are amplified during legal battles. The accessibility into our private lives can expose information that we would rather stay hidden, which can have a significant impact on divorce proceedings.
At Richard A. Heller, P.A. our Orlando divorce lawyers want you to know that social media posts can both work in your favor and work against you when it comes to a divorce. These posts are admissible in court as evidence, which can impact decisions regarding property division and child custody. If you come across a post made by your spouse that exposes certain information, you should bring it to your attorney's attention. Additionally, you should consider taking a break from social media so that your spouse cannot return the favor.
Reasons to Avoid Social Media
Pictures are worth a thousand words.
Pictures can contain revealing information about your lifestyle. If you post a picture that contains drugs or alcohol, or other inappropriate behavior, it may sway the judge's opinion regarding whether or not you are a fit parent for your children. Try to avoid posting pictures that can be interpreted as poor behavior, or that place you or your children in settings that may not be appropriate.
Spending habits on display.
Posts can reveal whether you are frugal or lax with your finances. Did you treat yourself to something and post about it on Facebook? Your spouse might use this as incriminating evidence in support or property division battles. Social media can also expose or provide clues to hidden assets that could work against you. Hold back from posts that reveal how you spend your money.
Your secrets are exposed.
When you aren't careful about who you're friends with and what you post, lies and secrets can easily get back to your soon-to-be ex. With so much accessibility into where you spend your time, who you associate with, and what you do, it can be hard to hide certain secrets, especially affairs. Make sure that your profile isn't linked with people you shouldn't be talking to and be careful about posting anything that raises eyebrows, even hints that you think are obscure and vague.
Your friends can out you.
No matter how careful you are, you are still at risk of posts made by friends. If you are tagged with certain people or at certain places, this can be just as incriminating as your own posts. Ask your friends and family to avoid posting about you and your children, and reinforce your privacy settings.
These posts are permanent.
Once you post something, it's out there forever. Think twice before posting rants or other interactions, because you can't take it back. Even if you delete the post, there is always a chance that someone managed to take a screenshot before it came down.
It is always important to watch what you put online; but this becomes especially prevalent when you are facing a complex divorce battle. Maintaining privacy is more important than ever, and social media provides your spouse and his or her friends and family significant access into your personal life. It is important to note that the laws surrounding social media and how they can affect you are convoluted, but your best chance at avoiding possible legal ramifications is by abstaining altogether.
Get the Legal Help You Need
If you think that your future-ex's social media posts are inappropriate or incriminating, talk to an Orlando divorce attorney who knows the law and how to present it as evidence to your case. For further legal advice regarding how to avoid potential push back of your own posts, our team of qualified and experience lawyers can help. Contact Richard A. Heller, P.A. to learn more about the dangers of social media in divorce proceedings.
Schedule a free consultation today to start the discussion.