Divorce proceedings can be a genuinely tricky period for all parties involved, and so much can and usually will go wrong. During a legal separation, there are bound to be heightened emotions, frustrations, and unresolved tension. It is not unexpected that one or both parties can find ways to express or air out these feelings.  Our major outlet today is the smartphone and social media. It is not strange to find muddied emotions spewed all over the internet, especially during a stressful time like a divorce.

But using social media as an outlet during your divorce can be very detrimental to you, your ex-partner, your kids, and the whole divorce proceedings. Below are the dangers that social media activities can pose to your divorce process:

Evidence

This is the first and perhaps the most important one to note since you are the author of your social media posts, comments, and messages; they are admissible as evidence to be used for or against you.

The defence or prosecution can cite your social media posts as evidence against you. Because of this, it is advised that you take more precautions about the kinds of information about yourself or your ex-partner you put out on your social media.

Contempt of Court

Divulging the details of your divorce case online violates the court’s orders, resulting in the judge finding you in contempt of court. Contempt is an affront to the authority and dignity of the court. One form it can take is disrespectful behavior in the court’s presence – like rude gestures, shouting, or interrupting the judge.

Damage to Reputation

Similar to the prosecution using your social media activities, social media can cause irreparable damage to your reputation. Your credibility can be significantly diminished if you make hostile or disdainful posts about your spouse or the divorce proceedings.

During the divorce process, you must ensure that you do not take your feelings out on your social media to avoid any harm to your stand in the case.

Misrepresentation

Social media is often bereft of context, and the information you put out can be easily misinterpreted, ultimately leading to unintended harm to your case. This misinterpretation can be intentional or unintentional; regardless, you are advised not to take the risk of strangers, especially the court taking your statements out of context.

Privacy

Due to the porous security protocols of most social media platforms, you are advised to minimise the private information you divulge on your profiles. Third parties with nefarious intentions and your spouse’s legal team can source unauthorised access to your social media and collect the information you would prefer they didn’t.

With all the dangers that social media poses to your divorce case, it is advised that you take better care with your social media activities. You must not discuss the divorce case on social media and endeavour not to post or share sensitive data about the divorce and those involved.

Our family law attorneys can help in navigating high-tension divorce proceedings. Contact us here today