On Behalf of Palacios Law Group |
Did you know that Facebook is a cited factor in 1 out of every 5 divorces in the United States? Social media is part of the fabric of everyday life. It allows us to communicate with loved ones both near and far. However, social media can be dangerous in a divorce, and it is important to have a social media strategy while going through this difficult time.
It is natural to want support from family and friends during divorce, and many reach out via social media. However, handling social media responsibly is paramount. According to Psychology Today, it is actually most advantageous to delete social media while going through a divorce, if possible.
Why should I delete my social media?
You might want to post about how wonderful your life is post-divorce, but the content of these posts can damage your divorce case. For instance, posting pictures of partying may hurt child custody cases, particularly if the photos or post content involves illegal activities.
Remember that social media is not actually private. Even if you “unfriend” your ex, other people can take screenshots of your posts and share them. These can end up in court.
What if I cannot delete my social media?
If deleting your social media is too draconian of a measure, you must have a plan in place. Make sure that you never post anything negative about your ex, and talk to your family members about doing the same thing. What would your children think if their grandparents posted something disparaging about their other parent?
Wise social media use is always important, but never more so than during a divorce. It is better to delete accounts, when possible.