Social Media Mistakes to Avoid During Your Divorce
Divorces are different in today’s high-tech world. Navigating through one in the time of social media can be a minefield. If you have concerns about social media and divorce and are wondering what you shouldn’t do on social media in order to help your case, the Attorney Matthew Z. Martell, a divorce lawyer that Sarasota and Bradenton Florida relies on, is here to help you.
Social Media Mistakes During Divorce
Maintaining a social platform, website, or any online presence during a divorce can be tricky. While we don’t say to completely get rid of them, there are things that should be done to protect you and your divorce case against your ex.
Courthouse Selfies
One of the social media mistakes to avoid during divorce is a courthouse selfie. Sure, you may be “living your best life”, but it’s not in good taste. You shouldn’t tag the courthouse either. Let a few days go by and think about it before posting anything to your social media accounts and leave the tagging behind. A simple post letting the world know that the divorce at least a week after the divorce is final will more than suffice.
Trashing the Ex-Spouse
Divorce is heated, and we all do things we regret. However, trashing your ex online can really work to your disadvantage. If the post gets taken the wrong way, that can lead to further potential legal problems down the road. If you have to trash and vent your displeasure, do so in the safety of your home with a dear friend. Even posting and deleting is a bad idea because captured screen shots can last forever.
Not Realizing the Permanence of Technology
When you enter into a divorce atmosphere, you need to make sure you realize that everything online, whether it is messaging, emailing, posting, dating profiles, or even your own personal websites, are out there for all to see. Even if your accounts are private, they can be captured by screen shot or photographed and used against you. Never post things or write anything that you wouldn’t want passed around at your court hearing or trial date.
Getting Tagged
While we have no control over what other people post to their accounts, you can always (and should) un-tag yourself from posts and photos that will not paint you in the best light for your court appearances. If you’re in a photo that gives any ammunition to your former spouse’s legal team, they can use those photos in court to argue against custody or support.
Some platforms have an option where you can opt-out of getting tagged at all. If you are going through divorce proceedings this is absolutely the best thing to do.
What You Should Do on Social Media in a Divorce
While we have gone over what not to do, here are a few things that can work in your favor:
- Change your passwords – changing your passwords to anything that is new, something that your spouse may not know or guess, is beneficial at these times. Even when a divorce starts out friendly, it can turn ugly later and you need to protect yourself.
- Open new accounts for any shared ones – if you and your spouse share a social media account, or any other online account really, now is the time to open up a new one. This also goes for cell phones, email accounts, online credit card and banking billing accounts, etc. .
- Lock your media – if you typically have public accounts, now is definitely the time to make them private. Many attorneys will scour the web looking for ways to discredit you.
The Law Offices of Matthew Z. Martell is a Sarasota, Bradenton, and Venice, Florida divorce lawyer that can help you understand what to do with your social media during divorce. If you’re contemplating divorce and want to make sure you don’t inadvertently damage your case, give our offices a call today to schedule a free 15 minute initial phone consultation. We’re here in your corner to help.
