Dos and Don’ts of Using Social Media During Your Separation

If you are going through a separation and there is any possibility that you will have a contested divorce or custody matter in court, it would be wise for you to take care with your social media. Here are some of the “dos” and “don’ts” that I give my clients:

DO: Leave your “relationship status” as married/in a relationship until your divorce is final. Another option is to remove that status entirely from your profile.

DON’T: Post anything negative about your ex. As justified as it might be, and as much as you might feel you need validation and support from your social network, negative posts are never, ever worth the risk that it could amp up the drama or be used against you in court. This includes “vague-booking”!

DO: Check your privacy settings and make sure they are set to the highest possible levels. Also, take a look at your friend lists and unfriend/unfollow/block anyone who is likely to cause trouble in this process. 

DON’T: Dig for dirt about your ex online. It can be tempting to try to see what your ex is up to, but this is more likely to cause you pain than it is to be helpful to your case. Do yourself a favor and focus instead on the things that bring you peace and joy as you move forward into a new chapter of your life.

DO: Monitor what your kids are doing on social media. This is a difficult time for kids, and they may be especially vulnerable. It’s more important than ever to keep tabs on their online activities.

When your relationship has come to an end, it’s important to effectively navigate social media to make your legal proceedings as easy and amicable as possible. If you need help navigating your separation with grace, speak with an experienced attorney at Acorn Law. Make an appointment for a quick chat to get started.