Recently, we talked about the risks of using social media if you’re receiving Social Security Disability (SSD) or workers’ compensation benefits. Photos and videos can give the impression that people are healthier than they are — potentially endangering their benefits.
Divorcing people should also exercise caution when posting on social media. In fact, many attorneys counsel their clients to avoid it completely before, during and even for a time after a divorce.
Before divorce
If your marriage isn’t going well, disparaging your spouse on social media is never wise. This can just embarrass them and increase animosity between the two of you. Try to work out your problems privately, perhaps with the help of a therapist.
If divorce is on the horizon, you may want to look through and possibly delete posts that could be used against you. You may want to increase your privacy settings so your spouse can’t access your posts. Even better — stop posting completely. You have more important things to focus on.
During divorce
If you stay on social media, don’t discuss your divorce. The only exception may be if you and your spouse decide to make a joint divorce announcement to friends via Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram.
If you and your spouse use social media to document your children’s milestones and activities, it’s best to agree on what (if anything) each of you will post about your kids now that you’re probably spending time with them separately. More than ever, you want to protect their privacy. Further, seeing pictures of the kids having fun with their other parent can just cause more animosity between spouses.
After divorce
It’s still wise to be careful what you post about your ex. Move on and focus on your new single life — or at least give your followers the impression that you have.
If you have kids, continue to remain cautious about what you post. Your spouse can always return to court to seek a custody modification if you’re posting things that give the impression that you’re not a responsible parent.
A good rule of thumb is probably that if you’re in doubt about posting something, don’t. Your divorce attorney can offer some valuable advice based on their other clients’ experience. It’s wise to heed that advice.
