What Not To Post On Social Media While Going Through A Divorce

Social media sites, such as Facebook, have become a tool we rely on daily for communication and entertainment. While social media has many benefits, it also poses a unique challenge when it comes to divorce and child custody issues. It is very important that whomever is going through these types of proceedings is aware that their own words posted on the Internet can be used against them in court.

The end of a marriage is an emotionally charged event, motivating some to vent on social media about their former spouse. However, you may want to think twice before you hit "post," you may have to explain yourself in court. Despite social media privacy settings, it is possible for information that you only intended for a secure group of people to be accessed by others not intended. For that reason, one should be cautious about how pictures and content could be misinterpreted or perceived.

Parties involved in a divorce look to their former spouse's social media accounts for information that can be used against them. The following are social media tips while going through a divorce:

• Posting false comments online could land you in hot water for libel. 
• Resist the urge to "check-in" places. While it may seem harmless at the time, check-ins at the local bar could affect a child custody hearing or a spouse's accusation that there is a problem with alcohol. If you're involved in an especially contentious divorce, or are being threatened with violence, you shouldn't advertise your whereabouts on the Internet. 
• Be sure to change your social media passwords. 
• Do not post any videos or photos you wouldn't want a judge or your former spouse's attorney seeing. 
• Avoid posting derogatory statements or photos of your former spouse. If it were to result in the loss of employment, you could be left paying the bigger price in the end. 
• Review what your friends post about you. Ask anyone to remove any damaging photos of you that are posted. 
• Posting content about "work being super busy" will cause major damage if you are claiming that you have no income. 
• Additionally, posts about major purchases, expensive dinners, and vacations won't help if you support your claim for spousal support or additional child support. 
• Deleting your social media account is a logical option if you are worried that you won't be able to resist posting certain information online. Beware, just because your account has been deleted it doesn't mean that past content can't be retrieved. 

For more in depth information pertaining to your specific case, contact Illinois Divorce Attorney Vincent Ruggiero at 630-654-0044 for assistance with your divorce matters in DuPage, Will, Kane, and Cook Counties.