If it sometimes seems to you like everyone is on social media, it may be because nearly everyone is. As of 2017, 89% of U. internet users were on Facebook.
Thirty-two percent were on Facebook’s next biggest competitor, Instagram. And from checking in at our favorite restaurants to status updates and posting pictures, people spend a lot of time on their accounts-76% of Facebook users login at least once per day.
But if you’re considering or going through a divorce, now is a good time to take a step back from the screen. More than half of adults have posted something they regret afterward, and one in six people post something they regret at least once a week!
Unfortunately, those mistakes can come back to haunt you. Your social media accounts, emails, and texts are all subject to discovery and may be used against you.
Here are three big social media mistakes we caution our clients about:
Posting to your social media accounts during a divorce
We understand that for many people, social media is the main channel through which you communicate with friends and family. But if you’re going through a bad divorce, it’s probably best to take a break from posting updates and pictures.
Why?
Although you may not think much of those pictures of you and your friends blowing off steam at the local bar or a Facebook post about treating yourself to a relaxing day at the spa, your former spouse may be able to use them to accuse you of concealing assets or having a drinking problem.
Checking in to social media during a divorce
Checking-in at your friend’s house, favorite restaurant or sports bar can be damaging to your case for many of the same reasons as posting to your account.
Are you in one place when you told your spouse you were in another?
Or were you supposed to be watching your child?
Your spouse can use this information against you in your divorce or custody hearing.
Unfortunately, there are also your spouse’s actions to consider.
Going through a divorce is emotionally trying, and tends to bring out the worst in people.
If you’re going through a particularly rough divorce, especially if your spouse is threatening you or has a history of violence, it’s important for you to keep your whereabouts to yourself.
Don’t trash your ex on social media during a divorce
Facebook is where we share pretty much everything these days, and we all have a friend whose relationship we’ve watched unravel in front of friends, family, and the rest of the world wide web.
Although it’s certainly tempting to vent your frustrations with your ex in a public forum, consider first how it’s going to look to your mutual friends and family, not to mention your children, your employer, and the court.
A Denver divorce attorney’s secret for maintaining social media during a divorce
Although we know even the thought of disconnecting from your social media accounts can cause anxiety, the best way to protect yourself from a social media misstep is just walk away.
Even if you don’t post those pictures or status updates yourself, your friends might inadvertently tag you, so if you’re in the middle of a divorce, even one that seems amicable, it’s best to put your accounts on hold or delete them entirely until your divorce is final.
Need more information on protecting yourself during a divorce? Contact us today and schedule a consultation with a Denver divorce attorney.
