You may want to stay active on your favorite social media platforms during your divorce so you can connect with others. Unfortunately, there are grenades on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and beyond and there are temptations to speak or act in ways that won’t serve you well. Here are some of the social media mistakes during divorce that it’s too easy to make.
1. Trashing Your Ex
Does anyone need to know your innermost thoughts online as soon as you have them… especially if they are negative or spiteful? If you have negative words to say about your ex, keep them offline – and keep yourself looking good in your child custody and parenting time negotiations.
2. Flaunting Your Wealth
A big part of divorce is about money. Even the simplest cases require disclosures about wealth, assets, and debts. Stay mum about your wealth online, whether you have a little or a lot of money. Your ex can use what you put on social media as proof of a comfortable financial status (from a new car to vacations, accessories to jewelry) and make the argument that you don’t need any spousal support.
3. Sharing Confidential or Private Information
You might want to share those snarky texts you exchanged with your ex, but posting private communications violates the other person’s privacy. That won’t look good for you in front of a judge and can damage your relationship with your ex, making resolution even more difficult to achieve.
4. Posting Pics of Partying
If your divorce case is going to trial, posting or allowing photos of an intoxicated you to be posted will not work in your favor. Certainly, you can let your hair down and enjoy yourself, especially when you’re stressed out with a divorce, but if there is any chance a photo can be twisted to make it look like you’re an endangerment to children, that could come back to bite you later.
5. Putting the Kids Out There
You might want your ex to see you and your children having a good time without them, but exploiting your children does no one any favors. If it feels good in the moment to be spiteful, see if you can let the urge to post pass before you inadvertently paint your children as targets, take away their privacy, or make it more difficult to effectively coparent.
6. Showing Off Your New Love
Social media mistakes during divorce often occur when one half of a former couple shows off their new love interest. It is tempting to let your circle know you’re happier now than you were before, but even though Michigan is a no-fault state, your behavior with another person can be painted as evidence that you’re not fit for spousal support or joint custody.
Best Practices to Avoid Social Media Mistakes During Divorce
- Avoid all social media
- Ask friends and family to avoid posting about your divorce
- Make your profile private
- Change your passwords
- Turn off location tracking features
- Do not discuss your court case online
- Do not spy on your former partner
- Always think about your kids first
Work with the experienced divorce lawyers at Femminineo Attorneys in Macomb to discuss how to move ahead successfully in your Michigan divorce. Schedule a consultation today.