Social media is fun. It’s convenient. It’s habitual. Most women use it every day. But in the middle of divorce proceedings, did you know it’s a dangerous liability?
Individuals should consider always being cautious about what they post on social media, as many potential employers, potential dating partners and other people you want to make a good impression on investigate such sites. But often people post anything and everything. Oversharing is all too common.
Oversharing—or even a regular amount of sharing—can get you in trouble in a divorce situation. That’s why it’s important to take precautions.
What safety measures should you institute:
- Put new privacy measures on your accounts. Change who can see your posts and block your soon-to-be former spouse as well as their family and any mutual friends who you feel certain will “side” with your former partner in the divorce.
- Don’t post anything too personal. Obviously, this is up to your discretion, but it’s better to err on the side of caution. You never know who might see a post and report to your ex-spouse—and you never know what they might infer from the knowledge. Before you post anything on social media, consider if it could be used against you in any way.
What should you look out for that might be useful?
- Incriminating information that contradicts official statements. If your former spouse claims to be broke in his financial affidavit yet you see photographic evidence of an expensive gift he just bought for his new girlfriend, it may be actionable legal evidence. Screenshot the picture, and consult with your legal counsel.
- Evidence of hiding assets. This could look like a lot of things: A friend with a picture of your former spouse’s boat, a rental property that suddenly belongs to another of his friends or any number of other scenarios. Again, document the evidence, and tell your lawyer about your suspicions.
Women are natural sharers. But it’s important to be discerning during divorce proceedings. A photo of the kids’ soccer game is fine. Just give your posts a second thought—and anything he posts a second look.
