Beware of Social Media

Social Media is a new constant in our everyday lives, and although it has many benefits in making us feel more connected to others, it can be easily weaponized in the middle of a divorce case to “prove” the more unsavory parts of our everyday lives.

By way of example, I have seen litigants scour Facebook/Twitter/Instagram for “evidence” of adultery, consumption of alcohol/drugs in the presence of children, criminal conduct/concerns of the friends and family members of the parties, and to show the children being introduced/exposed to paramours without permission.

If you are preparing for divorce, it would be wise to go through your photos on your social media accounts and ensure that none of the photos posted or in which you are tagged, reflect a negative perspective of you as a parent. If you aren’t sure, then take down the photo or untag yourself.

Beware of new people following or connecting with you on any of your accounts that you aren’t sure of. These new “friends” can some times be the other party or his/her accomplice searching your accounts. Be mindful of friends and family of your spouse/partners that can see your account and decide if you want to continue giving them access. In some cases, temporarily closing or pausing your account all together to avoid any activity during the course of your case, is the best route.

Going through a divorce/separation is challenging enough emotionally without the added stress of your social media persona being used against you.