Once you begin contemplating getting a divorce, your wisest course of action consists of staying off Facebook and other social media. At the very least, you should drastically curtail what you post there. This is particularly important once you actually file for divorce and its proceedings begin.
Unfortunately, regardless of any and all privacy settings you have in place, any reasonably sophisticated computer or cellphone user can access your social media information. Keep in mind that more than two-thirds of America’s divorce lawyers admit that Facebook and other social media serve as their main source of negative information about their clients’ spouses. This information, in turn, becomes evidence they use during court hearings to enhance their clients’ positions and diminish those of their spouses.
What to do
Review all your social media privacy settings and update them to the most restrictive settings possible. Even after doing this, however, recognize that this may not be enough to protect you from those determined to obtain the information you post.
Also review the posts you recently made and delete any that contain information your about-to-be former spouse’s attorney could use against you. While this gives you a measure of protection, it is too late to get rid of this information if your friends and family members have already reposted it.
What not to do
As a matter of course during your divorce, never post any of the following on any social media:
- Photos or other information regarding any new residence you think you may move into
- Photos or other information regarding anyone you begin dating
- Photos or other information regarding who you socialize with or where you go with them
- Photos or other information regarding substantial purchases you make
- Photos showing you in a sexually suggestive or compromised position
If you feel compelled to share any of the above information with selected friends and family members, do so face-to-face, not via Facebook or any other social media.
