Social media has made it possible for us to share unlimited information about ourselves. When going through a divorce or custody battle, however, it’s important to understand the ways social media can either help or harm your case.
Attorneys are using social media more and more as a means of collecting evidence. Facebook or other social media is the last place you should be posting details that could come back to bite you. In fact, in 2011, a judge ordered a couple to exchange Facebook and dating-site passwords. Would your activity help you or hurt you?
No problem, you can just delete the negative things, right? It’s not that simple. Once something is posted, you lose all control of it permanently. Sometimes even deleted posts can be retrieved by the company, or screenshots may have already been taken. Deleting damaging posts during your case may also be considered destruction of evidence.
6 Things You CAN Control with Your Online Presence:
- DO know who your friends are. While we all want a shoulder to cry on, venting to friends on social media poses risks. Consider seeing a therapist or writing it all out in a journal. Do not mention your ex or the divorce online. It creates a paper trail, demonstrates your own lack of restraint, and could be used in court.
- DO be honest about your whereabouts and activities. If it’s your time with your kids, and pictures surfaced showing you out partying, it clearly shows where your priorities are. If you are tagged, even if you didn’t post the photo, it will cause problems for you. Do not engage in activities that show you acting irresponsibly.
- DO post pictures of yourself participating in fun activities with the kids, reading together, and spending time together. Do not share pictures that you wouldn’t want to be shared in court.
- Do avoid mentioning expensive purchases or vacations. Your money and the way you spend it is closely scrutinized. You can hardly claim you can afford that new truck, new electronics, and travel but claim you can’t afford to pay alimony or child support.
- DO consider deactivating your accounts, or making your account private when possible. It removes the temptation to share your pain with the cyber-world. Do not post in “vent” or “drama” groups which are usually places for people to bash their exes.
- DO make sure your attorney knows of ANY possibly damaging information either on your page or the page of your ex. Do not make your attorney’s job more difficult with the need to defend your social media activities.
Think before you post. Don’t post anything you wouldn’t want to be shared with the court.
Getting Help with Your Utah Divorce Case
If you are looking into a divorce and have questions or need legal help, we’re here for you. We understand the struggles unique to a divorcing couple. As you go through this difficult time, a competent family law attorney can help ease you through the process as you create your new life. At CoilLaw LLC, Salt Lake City Divorce attorney Jill Coil knows how to advise you during a divorce to help you achieve the best settlement and/or result possible. Call today 801-781-5614.
