Navigating a divorce can be an emotionally fraught and complex process. In today’s digital age, the impact of social media activity on legal proceedings cannot be overstated. Social media posts can significantly affect the outcome of divorce proceedings, influencing everything from child custody decisions to asset division.
At The Johnson Firm, our Lake Charles divorce attorneys emphasize the importance of cautious social media use during divorce. Keep reading for detailed guidance on what not to post on social media during a divorce to protect your legal interests.
Understanding the impact of social media on divorce cases
Social media platforms can serve as a treasure trove of information that could be used against you in a divorce case. Public posts, pictures, messages, and even location check-ins can be interpreted in ways that might not reflect your intentions. Under Louisiana law, information gathered from social media can be admissible in court and have unintended legal consequences.
Posts that can negatively affect your divorce
To safeguard your interests during a divorce, it’s crucial to be aware of the types of social media posts that can create complications in your case.
Financial information
Any posts that suggest a more lavish lifestyle than reported during the divorce proceedings can be problematic. For example, posting pictures of expensive purchases, vacations, or nights out can lead to disputes over financial disclosure and asset division.
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New relationships
Sharing details or photos of a new relationship can impact your divorce in several ways. It can affect alimony and spousal support decisions, especially if cohabitation is involved. It may also lead to emotional reactions from the other party, complicating negotiations.
Negative remarks
Posting negative comments about your spouse can harm your case, particularly in custody battles. Louisiana courts consider the willingness of each parent to support the child’s relationship with the other parent. Derogatory posts can be seen as evidence of unwillingness to cooperate or support this relationship.
Information about your children
It’s advisable to keep details of your children’s lives off social media during a divorce. Posts about their activities, feelings, or struggles related to the divorce can be misconstrued or used in custody arguments.
Tips for managing social media during a divorce
Given the potential ramifications, here are some strategies to manage your social media presence during a divorce:
- Pause and reflect: Before posting, consider how the post could be viewed by your spouse’s attorney or the judge in your divorce case.
- Adjust privacy settings: While not foolproof, adjusting your privacy settings to limit who can see your posts is a wise precaution.
- Seek advice: When in doubt, consult with your attorney. At The Johnson Firm, we provide our clients with comprehensive advice on navigating social media during the divorce process.
Want to learn more? Call us.
What you post on social media during a divorce can significantly affect the legal process. You can avoid many pitfalls by being mindful of the information you share online. If you are going through a divorce and have concerns about how your social media activity may impact your case, contact The Johnson Firm. Our experienced family law attorneys can guide you through the complexities of divorce, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected every step of the way.