People share everything on social media. Facebook. Twitter. Instagram. No one, it seems, can keep anything to themselves.
When it comes to your divorce, social media may work against you. What you post online may end up in court.
The sharing
A study found, to no one’s surprise, that social media can have a negative impact on happiness in a marriage. Spending too much time with online friends can undermine a relationship.
Relationships that people pursue online can have drastic consequences. One-third of divorce cases begin with an online affair by one of the partners.
People sometimes fail to appreciate the reach of social media. You may think you are sharing a post or photograph with a select group of friends. But what you post is online for the entire world to see. It is out of your control, especially when someone re-posts or re-shares the content.
The evidence
Online activity may lead to suspicions that take on a life of their own. Your spouse may use what you view as an innocent comment, photograph or “like” against you in divorce. Your troubles worsen if you are careless and post intimate messages.
Social media also is a tempting outlet for your emotions. In the heat of the moment, you may post something that you regret, but it is too late. What you post may lead to misunderstandings and hard feelings. It may strain and undermine your relationship.
There is also the embarrassment of your separation playing out on social media. These days, people talk online, they take sides based on what they see and read. That may work against you.
The aftermath
The use of social media in legal proceedings is still evolving. In general, courts allow the use of electronic evidence in divorce cases.
You may think you understand how to use social media. What you need to know are the implications of social media when it comes to your divorce.
