If you are like most people, you are present on social media. While using websites like Facebook during difficult times can be a positive way to connect with loved ones, you need to take extra care with what you say when going through a divorce.
According to the National Law Review, social media can serve as evidence in divorce court.
Posts that may damage your case
If you have a public social media account, the court could consider everything that you post as fair game. Even if you think that you post benign updates about your life, you may be surprised by what the other side might use to damage your case.
For example, your spouse could argue that your posts highlight your character or your income. For example, if you post about your shopping trips or brag about new buys on social media, your spouse may claim that you hid income and assets or that you do not require spousal or child support. If any posts contradict testimonies, the other side could use this against you in court.
Protections for social media users
There are protections for you on social media. For example, if you have a private account, your spouse cannot hack the account to find information about you. He or she also cannot create a new account to friend you to gather information.
It is best to be safe when it comes to using social media, even if you have a private account. If you and your spouse had mutual friends, your friend could share one of your posts and then it becomes fair game.
