For many adults, posting on social media has become as routine as making a cup of coffee in the morning and brushing your teeth at night. However, if you’re in the middle of a divorce case, attorneys recommend approaching this online tool with caution. Here are three significant ways social media can impact the proceedings.

How Social Media Can Affect Your Divorce Case

1. Sway the Financial Settlement

Whether or not you have children together, most divorces will have a financial settlement, in which joint property is divided between the spouses. The way assets are delegated will depend significantly on each spouse’s contributions to the marriage, their earning capacity, and their current net worth.

Posts on social media about big-ticket expenses, such as vacations or vehicles, expose details about your financial standing. For example, if you claim to have sold a car, but a picture appears with your friend driving it, this may act as evidence that you’re hiding the asset by transferring it to them. If you claim not to have enough money to pay child support or alimony, the social media posts on vacation may prove otherwise.

2. Hinder Child Custody 

If you have children with your spouse, it’s crucial to consider how the social media posts will affect custody. When a judge considers an arrangement, they’ll prioritize the child’s best interests, which are impacted by each parent’s lifestyle habits and location.

If your social media posts reveal a raucous lifestyle or constant traveling, your hopes for full custody or frequent visitation may be at risk. Instead, you’ll want to present a child-friendly household that’s conducive to your little one’s growth and development.

3. Offend Your Spouse

Even if you and your soon-to-be-ex are on the same page about alimony, child support, and custody, social media can still introduce some conflicts. For example, if your posts reveal a new relationship that wasn’t previously mentioned, it can trigger an emotional response in your spouse.

In some cases, they may pursue a more aggressive approach to the negotiations and even change their stance on custody or asset distribution. Therefore, it’s best to be cautious when using social media platforms or hold off on posting until the case is settled.

If you’re preparing for a divorce and need an attorney, turn to Legal Solutions For Families in Turmoil in Warrenton, MO. This firm has helped its clients complete divorces and legal separations since 1986. Get more information about their services online, or call (636) 528-5220 to schedule a consultation with an attorney.