Your social media accounts may seem like a safe venue for discussing life with family and friends, but the content you share can have a significant impact on a divorce case. If your former spouse gains access to the photos and posts, their legal team can use it to cast you in an unfavorable light. Below are a few reasons to refrain from social media until the case concludes.

Why to Avoid Social Media During a Divorce

1. Security Settings Aren’t Enough

Even if you set accounts to private, their content can still be accessed. By setting up fake profiles and sending you a follow request or browsing your friends’ feeds, an ex-spouse can see what you’ve posted on social media. Even if you have the maximum privacy settings, assume anything you post will be seen by a judge.

2. Negative Comments Can Be Used Against You

It may seem natural to post about your ongoing case, but even conversations between your friends can be used against you in court. Your spouse’s attorney may claim any negative comments prove you’ll create a toxic environment for your kids, potentially hurting a child custody case.

3. Photos Can Cast You in a Negative Light

Pictures taken of you spending time with friends may not seem damaging, but they can be used to disparage your character. Until your case is over, ask your friends not to include you in their pictures, especially if they depict parties or alcohol consumption.

4. You May Reveal Your Spending Habits

Posts about vacations or expensive purchases online can be interpreted to mean you have undisclosed financial resources your spouse may want in a divorce settlement. Even if someone else paid, don’t post about having dinner at expensive restaurants or any other activities.

An attorney is imperative during a divorce, and the team at Swartz Law Office LLC in Batavia, OH, will advise you further on proper social media habits during the proceedings. Their team knows this is a difficult time, even if your spouse is cooperating, and will provide the detailed legal guidance you’d expect from a larger firm with the individualized attention of a small law office. Visit their website or call (513) 732-0900 to set up a consultation today, and follow their Facebook for more legal insight.