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Going Through a Divorce? Watch What You Tweet

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

Going Through a Divorce? Watch What You Tweet

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

AskTheLawyers™

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Divorce cases are delicate situations. What you say may change the course of any court process, even if it’s just a one-word comment or “liking” someone else’s post. So much of a divorce or custody proceeding relies on your character, and how you are presenting yourself to the judge.

Some quick examples of how bad social media behavior can come back to bite you:

  • Presenting yourself as a suitable and responsible parent - but your photos and check-ins suggest that you’re drunk at the club most nights
  • Mean tweets about your ex will not paint you in a positive light
  • Pictures of drugs or questionable paraphernalia in your home might cause the court to revoke custody of your children

What You Say Online Can Be Used Against You

Before you post any photo or strong words, imagine an opposing council catching wind of it and presenting it in court. Images mean a lot to a judge.

Some of the ways social media can cause terrible issues in your divorce case include:

  • Online Friends and Gossip

Keep tabs on your friends and overall circle. While you may be able to block an ex from seeing any of your updates, that doesn’t mean the ex can’t see what your friends are saying online. These comments could actually make you look bad. Tell your friends not to tag you in certain posts, photos, and check-ins. Even if your profile is set to private, opposing council can find ways to unearth your supposedly hidden materials.

  • Watch What You Put in Writing

Back in the day, hearsay was a tricky subject in the courtroom. It was your word against theirs. Nowadays with email, texting, and social media so prevalent, all a lawyer has to do is print out something you texted or posted online. This could involve anything from a job offer for a higher salary, which would affect child support, or fierce slander. So be careful.

This Applies to Just About Any or All Social Media Platforms and Digital Devices

Divorce cases can get cutthroat, and the point of plenty of these cases is to show cause for concern, whether it’s about honesty or whether or not a party’s being forthright about finances. When it’s in writing, even if it subtly hints at it, it may be cause for concern and can be a hefty focal point in a case.

Main rule of thumb: don’t say anything on social media you wouldn’t want presented in a courtroom. Your business is to be represented by a qualified attorney, ensuring your rights are viewed and observed, and you receive a fair overview from a judge about your situation. This applies to whether or not you’re a custodial parent.

If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to a divorce attorney for more information about what you should do regarding your divorce. It may be a difficult situation to deal with, but having qualified help can make the process as smooth as possible.

Related: How to Save Money While Going Through a Divorce

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