Social media is a big part of our lives these days. There are many different platforms that allow us to share what is happening in our lives. For many people, it provides a way to keep in touch with family members and friends that they do not get to see often. Sharing photos, status updates, and leaving comments gives people the ability to see what is happening in other people’s lives.
However, there are some downsides to sharing your life on social media. What you put out on the internet has the potential to negatively affect your life. This is especially true when going through something like a family law case. Myres & Associates can list the 5 top reasons to stay off social media during any family law case.
1. Posts Are There To Stay
While you think you can delete a post in a certain sense, what you put on the internet is there to stay. Even if you delete posts or photos, they are still accessible. Your ex-spouse or other friends could easily screenshot your posts and keep them for evidentiary purposes. If you are going to be active on social media and post, think carefully about what you put on your profile. Avoid discussing the divorce at all and don’t put personal details of your life on display, as it is no one else’s business. However, do not delete your personal accounts or posts, as it may lead to additional consequences in court. Instead, go inactive and reduce contacts to the bare minimum.
2. Pictures Tell Stories
Sharing pictures is one of the most common ways that people engage with others on social media platforms. You may want to post a selfie of yourself with friends or a photo of your kids at their most recent sports event. However, there are potential dangers to having photo updates on your social profiles. It is easy to take a photo out of context, potentially working against your position in your divorce case. A lot of untold or private information can be easily revealed in a photograph. you are going to post photos during this time, do so carefully and with a critical eye.
3. Affecting Custody Agreements
After your divorce has been finalized, there is the potential that your social media posts can also impact your custody arrangements. If you indicate certain behaviors online, there could be evidence to suggest that your agreement needs modification, or that you are not able to provide your children with stable care. For example, if you show that you are hostile towards your ex or make irresponsible decisions, it will negatively affect your standings. If you are out partying with friends and decide to post suggestive photos, you could imagine how that would play out in court or with child representatives.
4. Insight on Spending
One component of divorce and custody is money and spending. When you are public about the amounts of money you are spending and where you are going, this could warrant a further discussion about things such as child or spousal support. If your social posts indicate that you are well off and can spend large amounts of money, the argument could be that you are able to afford higher support payments.
5. Protecting Your Mental Health and Integrity
Many people that are frequent users of social media will be aware of the comparison factor that often comes into play. While in the middle of a divorce, you will be faced with other couples or families making posts with perfect-looking lives. It will be easy to compare yourself to those individuals, reflecting back on your own marriage and choices. You may also see what your ex-spouse is up to, which could also be upsetting for some. By staying off of social media, you can help protect your own mental well-being. No one has ever regretted not clicking “post,” but many have regretted what they have posted.
Compassionate Attorneys
If you are preparing to go through a family law matter and need guidance on what you should and should not do, having an experienced attorney can help. The team at Myres & Associates wants the best outcome for you and your family during divorce. We can provide you with advice to manage your divorce case.
To speak with one of our attorneys, call (713) 322-9810 to schedule a consultation today!
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