If you are going through a divorce, it is essential that you understand the potential consequences of what you post on social media. Depending on the circumstances, social media mistakes during divorce can negatively affect your case.
In 2014, a Facebook post almost landed a father in jail after he went on a rant about his ex-wife and the way he had been treated by the court. The father was fighting for custody of his son at the time he made the Facebook post. His ex-wife used a copy of the post to request that he be held in contempt of court. The judge agreed, and gave the father a choice of putting up an apology on Facebook for 30 days or spending 60 days in the slammer. He chose the former.
What Social Media Mistakes During Divorce Can Affect Your Case?
While the story above is an extreme example of what can go wrong, there are much more common mistakes you can make on social media during your divorce.
- Bragging: Divorce can be harmful to the ego, and some people may be tempted to brag. There are multiple ways bragging can get you into trouble. For example, posting photographs of a big purchase or lavish vacation. Your ex can use these posts to argue that you are hiding income.
- Posting rants: The case we described above is a perfect example of why you should avoid posting rants about your ex on social media. Never bad mouth the judge or your ex.
- Sharing inappropriate posts: Before posting anything or checking into a location, ask yourself “is this something I would want the judge to see?” Photographs of partying or drinking can affect child custody decisions.
Your social media posts can be used against you by your ex. This goes for emails, text messages, voicemails, and any other form of electronic correspondence. Never put anything in writing that you would not want the judge to read.
Lewisville divorce attorney Jared Julian helps North Texas residents with divorce, child custody modifications, child support, paternity suits and other family law matters.
