As you and your spouse go through your divorce proceedings, you will have many decisions to make. Hopefully, you will be able to arrive at agreeable terms for many of those issues without stressful disputes that can further break already damaged relationships.
Achieving a balance for child custody, property division and other areas without a court order requires open communication and cooperation. One issue you and your spouse may wish to discuss early in the process is how you will manage your use of social media during this sensitive time.
How social media can backfire
You likely have Facebook friends who share their highs and lows frequently, and you may reply with comments of encouragement and empathy. However, if you are tempted to release your frustrations about your divorce on social media, you may want to reconsider. Sharing the personal details of your struggles may not only cause unintentional hurt to friends and extended family, but it could also damage your case as you move forward through the divorce process.
Some ways in which your social media presence may negatively affect your divorce settlement and future recovery include these:
- Making negative or accusatory statements about your ex may demonstrate to the court that you are unwilling to cooperate as needed for co-parenting.
- Sharing too much personal information about your marriage and divorce may create a negative image of you to future employers and may be upsetting to your children.
- Blocking your former spouse from your social media pages may prevent you from using a fast and convenient method of communication regarding parenting issues.
- Posting pictures of expensive purchases or costly vacations may suggest you do not need the spousal support your requested or that you can afford more support than you offer.
- Making comments about reckless or risky behaviors may jeopardize your bid for custody of your children.
Even seemingly innocent posts, such as a picture of you with a beer in your hand or at your favorite Pennsylvania night club, may be fodder for your opposition to use as an example of your unfitness as a parent. Even privacy settings do not always keep your page private.
Experts recommend stepping back from social media during your divorce or at least coming to agreeable terms with your spouse about how you will and will not use your Facebook and other accounts. This will allow you to maintain your network of support with dignity during what can be an emotional time in your life.
