Sometimes personal spats among divorcing couples carry over into social media. These types of public outbursts can lead you into dangerous territory, though.
Airing out complaints, making accusations, and exaggerating events on social media regarding your estranged spouse may prove to be detrimental to you and your divorce case. Quell any temptation to inflict a barrage of attacks on Facebook or Twitter or some other social networking platform.
Avoid making threats, stalking, and lying
While in the midst of a divorce, strive to maintain a calm composure as much as possible. Remember that anything you post may end up in front of a judge as evidence in your court proceedings. Now may even be the perfect time to take a social media sabbatical. If you aren’t prepared to step away from your posts and tweets altogether, here are reminders of some topics to avoid posting or doing on social media:
- Any kind of threat: Threatening your former partner in any way only leads trouble. In extreme instances, this could be labeled as cyberbullying or harassment and lead to criminal charges.
- Stalking: Monitoring your estranged spouse’s social media accounts could be seen as a sign of an obsessed and unstable person. Do not give the other party a chance to portray you in this way.
- Outright lies: An attempt to promote inaccuracies about your former partner are likely to backfire. These lies will be brought to the attention of a judge, who will likely not look upon your actions favorably.
- Bragging about your new life: Posting images and writing about expensive vacations or new cars represents possible signs of hidden assets. Flaunting a new relationship, especially if there was infidelity involved, won’t serve any productive purpose; it may only fan the flames.
- Sharing intimate details regarding your estranged spouse: There is no excuse for making posts that are intended to criticize, humiliate, or demean your former partner. These types of comments may indicate to a judge that your negative opinion of your ex could overshadow your ability to effectively co-parent with that person in the future.
Keep emotions in check
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to vent about your divorce; negative feelings are a natural part of the process. But, save your venting for your trusted friends, supportive family members, or counselors. Social media is not the place to air out the emotional aspects of your divorce. Stay civil and take the high road. In time, when the court case is behind you, you will be able to carry on with your head held high.
