Social media makes up a large part of our modern lives, and chances are, you have at least one social media account. Whether you use social media to share pictures, remain connected with far-flung relatives and friends, or you use your social media as your personal diary, you should be aware of the effects your social media use can have on your divorce case.
Online Activity Can Provide Clues
You spouse or their attorney may be monitoring your social media accounts for signs of deception. Even if you have blocked your spouse, it is likely that you may still have dozens of mutual friends who may be more loyal to your spouse than they are to you. If you are planning to plead that you are unable to afford spousal support, then do not post about your new bonus or raise. Similarly, keep an eye on what your friends post. They may post pictures or comments that can be damaging to your case, without them even realizing it.
Social Media Can Be Used as Evidence in Court
If your divorce is less than amicable, it is possible that you may be compelled to provide transcripts of your social media posts and messages. Depending on what you’ve posted or written, your spouse may discover that you haven’t been truthful about every matter in your divorce.
Social media and communications that may be subpoenaed include:
- Social media accounts
- Networking accounts
- Emails
- Personal or direct messages
- Text messages
What Can You Do?
Even if you are being completely honest in your divorce proceedings and have nothing to hide, you should still be mindful of your social media accounts. You can prevent your spouse from growing suspicious about your finances and protect yourself from unwanted consequences by being cautious about your activity.
Here are some tips to help you keep your divorce safe from social media:
- Refrain from posting about the progress of your divorce, your finances, or your soon-to-be ex-spouse.
- Ask your friends not to tag you in photographs, posts, or check-ins for the duration of your divorce process.
- If you wouldn’t say it to your spouse or in court, don’t post it, share it, or send it.
- Set all privacy settings to the highest setting and never accept friend requests from people you don’t know.
- Consult your attorney if you have questions about your social media use.
Contact Our York Divorce Attorneys Today – (717) 744-0531
The divorce process can be challenging, but our team at Ilkhanoff & Silverstein are dedicated to fighting for your best interests. Since 1999, our York divorce lawyers have guided our clients through this emotional and stressful time with compassionate client service and results-driven legal counsel.
Schedule an initial consultation to begin your case. Contact our firm by calling (717) 744-0531.
