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Can social media hurt a divorce?

On Behalf of | Mar 13, 2017 | Family Law |

The popularity of social media has made it all too tempting to post the more personal details of life. For many, social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook, have become a place to vent. However, what a soon-to-be ex may not realize is that there can be potential consequences stemming from posting certain details while going through a divorce.

Online and social media activity is evidence

Information that is posted online is admissible in divorce court. Many couples that post disparaging remarks about each other, brag about their deceitful tactics –such as hiding assets — and provide misleading information about their character may not be aware of it, but their comments could end up being used against them.

Deleting posts does not get rid of them

Deleting posts and altering privacy settings are not always sufficient to keep incriminating evidence from resurfacing. For example, if a person posts information online that shows he or she has assets that they have not disclosed in their divorce documents, anyone who sees that post can share, retweet and redistribute it. Even if they were to delete it and block their former partner from seeing it, that action does not prevent an ex from learning about it from others and using it as evidence in the divorce.

Modify online behavior

It is highly advisable for couples either planning on or already going through a divorce to refrain or be more selective with their sharing on social media. Now is not the time to air the specifics of the divorce, or other information one would not want to be shared in front of the judge. Even if an ex has already posted such comments, retaliation in the form of your own post is not the way to go. Rather, hold on to this information and make sure to share it with your divorce attorney.

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