Be Aware of How Your Social Media Accounts Can Be Used Against You in a Divorce

 Posted on July 24, 2023 in Divorce

Social media has become such a major part of many people’s lives, but it can also play a significant role in divorce proceedings. In some cases, the opposition in a divorce may exploit social media platforms to gain an advantage or further their interests. If you are going through a divorce and have social media accounts, it is important to be aware of how your accounts could be used against you. To ensure you are protected, speak with a seasoned divorce attorney.

Gathering Evidence

Social media platforms provide a treasure trove of information that can be used as evidence in a divorce case. Your spouse’s legal team may scour your social media profiles to find posts, check-ins, photos, or videos that can be taken out of context or used to support their claims. For example, they may use posts showing lavish vacations or expensive purchases to argue against your financial need or claim that you are an unfit parent based on questionable behavior displayed online. This also includes any photos or videos your friends and families post that you are in.

Monitoring Activities

Social media allows the opposition to monitor your activities and interactions. They may keep a close eye on your posts, comments, and connections, looking for any information that can be used against you. For example, they may use evidence of new romantic relationships or questionable behavior to influence child custody decisions or division of assets.

Question Your Credibility

Your social media accounts can be used to challenge your credibility during a divorce. Your spouse’s attorney may try to find inconsistencies between your online persona and your statements in court. They may search for contradictions or false representations in your posts, comments, or interactions to undermine your credibility and cast doubt on your claims or character.

Influencing Perception

Your spouse may attempt to use social media to shape public opinion, including friends, family, and even the court. They may strategically share information or posts that portray them in a favorable light or depict you negatively. This can impact how others perceive the divorce proceedings and may convince someone to testify against you. All of this can potentially influence the outcome.

Online Harassment or Intimidation

In some cases, your spouse may use social media as a platform for harassment or intimidation. They may engage in online bullying, post defamatory content, or share private information with the intent to harm your reputation or undermine your position in the divorce.

Privacy Concerns

Social media platforms have privacy settings, but they are not foolproof. Your spouse may attempt to access your private information, messages, or conversations to gather evidence or gain leverage in the divorce. It is important to be mindful of your privacy settings and take necessary precautions to protect sensitive information. However, be aware, that deleting any questionable posts or photos is not a guarantee that it will not be used against you since your spouse’s attorney can subpoena this evidence through the court.

Contact a McKinney Divorce Lawyer Today

If you are in the beginning stages of a divorce, make sure you have a dedicated Collin County divorce attorney advocating for you and ensuring you are protected. Call The Ramage Law Group at 972-562-9890 to schedule a private consultation.

Source:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/better-divorce/202111/marriage-divorce-and-social-media-recipe-disaster