While social media is a great means to share life updates with your loved ones, you should not do so while you are undergoing divorce proceedings. To learn why, continue reading and see how an experienced Suffolk County divorce & separation attorney at the Law Offices of Susan A. Kassel, P.C. can offer some advice.
Why should I be careful with posting on social media during my divorce?
Unfortunately, it is easy for social media to portray you in a negative light, even if that is not your intention when you post. Your spouse can use your posts against you during your divorce proceedings. Even if your spouse’s arguments are false, you do not want to give them any leverage from your posts.
For example, if you post about your vacation or a significant purchase on social media, your spouse can argue that you are financially independent, and therefore, you do not need child support and/or alimony in your settlement agreement.
Additionally, if you post about your partying or drinking with friends, your spouse can argue that you have poor judgment and/or are parentally unfit, and therefore, you do not have the right to be granted custody of your child.
Also, if you post about your new romantic partner, your spouse can cite adultery as fault grounds for your divorce, and thus, the court may have a negative view of you when settling your agreements.
What are the dos and don’ts of social media during my divorce?
If you post at all, it is important to practice caution with everything that you post. It is important to point out that your private messages and deleted posts can still be retrieved by your spouse’s attorney and used against you in the presence of the New York court. In fact, deleting your posts can be seen as an inference of guilt. Below is a comprehensive list of dos and don’ts:
- Dos:
- Set your social media accounts to private.
- Ask your friends and family to refrain from posting you and/or about you.
- Avoid posting on your social media altogether.
- Don’ts:
- Speak badly about your spouse on your social media through false comments, threats, and/or criticisms.
- Post about your alcohol and/or drug use.
- Post your location (especially if you are at a bar, club, casino, etc).
- Post about your new relationships.
- Believe that deleting information will protect you.
For additional guidance on how to handle your social media during your divorce proceedings, you should contact a skilled Suffolk County divorce lawyer as soon as you can.
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If you need strong legal representation regarding matters of divorce, family law, and estate law, contact the Law Offices of Susan A. Kassel, P.C. to schedule a consultation today.
