Divorce is likely one of the hardest experiences you will ever go through. Even amicable divorces in Kentucky usually come with strong and complicated emotions, including anger, sadness and fear.
The divorce process becomes even more complicated when children are involved. In today’s digital world, social media has become an outlet for many of us when going through difficult times.
Social media is a place for us to express our feelings and hopefully receive support and connection from others who are going through similar experiences. However, as hard as it may be, it is best for you to shut down and stay off your social media during your divorce. Here are three reasons why.
Social media can cause harm in a custody proceeding
Anything you post on social media could end up in court being ready by a judge. This is true no matter how secure or private you make your accounts or if you have blocked your spouse.
There is always a way for social media posts to make it back to your spouse and become potentially damaging evidence in a divorce or custody action. An innocent post about the stress of the divorce and custody process can become evidence that you do not want your children or are a “bad parent.”
Additionally, innocent pictures can cause major damage. Many divorce disputes are over money and your social media posts or photos can harm you if you are asking for alimony or spousal support or arguing over property division.
For example, perhaps you are requesting your spouse pay you alimony but social media posts show you shopping, going out with friends for dinner or taking a vacation. Your spouse can use these posts to show that you do not need the money.
Social media posts can paint a false picture
Maybe it was the one and only vacation you took during the divorce and a friend paid for it and your mother took you out shopping to cheer you up. While you might get a chance to explain the posts at a divorce hearing, it is best to just not post on social media and avoid the problem altogether.
This does not mean you cannot take a vacation or enjoy yourself while your divorce is pending. Just avoid posting evidence of your activities on social media.
You never know who is watching
Finally, divorces often divide family and friends. Your spouse’s family or your mutual friends may feel awkward knowing you are divorcing. Some may want to stay out of it while others will take sides.
The ones who take your spouse’s side may be carefully monitoring your social media, ready to report the information back to your spouse, who is now ready to use the posts against you.
Social media is a part of most lives today. Staying off it during a divorce is not going to be easy. We recognize that. You need support during a divorce. Talking in-person with a trusted friend or family member is a better option than posting or venting your feelings on social media.