Social media is a large part of most people’s everyday lives in this day and age. It is commonly used as a way to update friends and family on the things that are going on throughout people’s lives. This can include simply day to day events or milestone celebrations. While these can be exciting events to share, there are certain aspects of life that should be left off the internet. This can include any details of your divorce case. Sharing this information or speaking poorly about a spouse or ex-spouse can negatively impact your divorce proceedings.
How Can My Social Media Affect My Divorce?
While you may not think so, there are many ways that social media can affect the outcome of your divorce. Reports on this topic show the following statistics:
- 81% of all divorce attorneys found social networking information that was later presented in court as evidence
- 66% of divorce lawyers use Facebook as a primary evidence source
- ⅓ of divorce actions begin with affairs that happen online
Bad Social Media Habits to Avoid
While going through divorce proceedings, it can be best to just not post on social media at all. This can ensure that seemingly innocent posts cannot be misconstrued and used against you in court. If you choose to use social media anyway, it is important to air caution when doing so. There are certain habits to avoid online in order to protect yourself and your case:
- Speaking poorly about your spouse or ex-spouse. Any comments, threats, criticisms, and more can affect a case.
- Deleting social media activity. While people often believe deleting a post online makes it disappear forever, it is actually impossible to permanently delete social media activity. Any damaging content can still be found and used in court. Deleting the posts can even be inferred as guilt and be held against you.
- Posting pictures or mentioning alcohol and/or drug use. Something as simple as having a glass of wine with a friend can be taken out of context and used in court.
- Discussing new relationships. Any romantic relationships that take place during a divorce should be kept private, as the evidence may be used as proof of an affair.
- Letting friends post about your life. Friends often have their own opinions about your ex-spouse, but it is important to discourage them from posting them online. This information can also be harmful to you in court.
- Sharing your location. People sometimes like to check-in at certain events or popular locations. However, locations such as bars, clubs, and casinos can hurt your case.
Contact our Firm
Zimmet Law Group, P.C. is an experienced team of attorneys guiding clients through matters of estate planning and administration, divorce and family law, real estate, commercial litigation, business law, bankruptcy, and landlord-tenant law. If you require the services of an effective New York City attorney, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.
