If you use your social media sites regularly, chances are that you frequently post personal details about your life. As a result, your friends and followers may know a great deal about your preferences and passions. While this may give you a sense of connection, it may also cost you if you are going through a divorce.
You may feel it is your right to post and share anything you want on your social media. Unfortunately, most social media platforms offer no expectation of privacy, so even if your account settings are private, others may access your account and view your posts. In the middle of a divorce is not the time when you want your ex and your ex’s attorney to see posts that could damage your chances of a positive outcome.
Keep your profile quiet
It may not take much for your ex to see what you post online if you are still using the same passwords you used before the breakup. Changing your passwords on all your social media pages and any devices to which your ex had access is a critical move soon after a breakup. Not only will this deter your ex from hacking into your social media, tracking your device or viewing your search history, but it may also prevent him or her from posting to your page under your name.
Your own posts may fast become part of your ex’s strategy in court. Even the most innocent posts or pictures may be open to misinterpretation, potentially compromising your attempts to obtain spousal support, child custody and a fair share of marital assets. Some damaging posts may include:
- Photos of you attending wild parties, consuming alcohol or engaging in other reckless activities
- Photos or posts describing extravagant purchases, fancy evenings out or exotic vacations
- Comments boasting about your new love interest before the divorce is final
- Any posts that may suggest you are emotionally unstable or unfit as a parent
- Posts mocking or insulting your ex
- Any of the above that your social media friends might post or share
If you already have such posts on your social media, leave them there and step away from the computer. While it may be tempting to clean up your pages and delete anything that may damage your cause, the court may interpret your actions as destroying evidence. The safest plan is usually to follow the advice of your legal counsel and stay off social media until the divorce process is over.