Don't Let Your Social Networking Sabotage Your Divorce
Do you tweet? Facebook? Youtube or myspace? These social networking sites have subscriber's numbering in hundreds of millions, and 2009 saw major growth in the use of these sites. Earlier this year, Time magazine included an article on "Five Facebook No-No's for Divorcing Couples" and as more and more people join Facebook and other social networking websites, these No-No's become more and more important to avoid because you don't know who will be reading the things you post.
If you are going through a divorce or preparing to go through a divorce, you are going to want to avoid the following:
- Showing off - Pictures or discussions of new purchases or vacations are fun, but they might color the court's view of your finances and affect your settlement.
- Letting it all hang out - If you're in a custody battle, your ex's lawyers would love to present you as the nonnurturing type. Delete all the crazy party photos.
- Getting tagged - IIt's not just your page you have to worry about. Make sure your friends' photos of you can't be used against you either.
- Venting - Don't talk smack about the lawyers, the judge and especially your spouse — on your page or anybody else's. (You think your kids never use a computer?)
- Cutting off everyone at once - Don't "defriend" in-laws or your ex's friends right away. People need time to adjust. Unless it's really high-conflict. Then go for it.
As you embark upon a divorce or other family law litigation, or any litigation for that matter, it is important that you check your social networking habits and make sure you aren't sabotaging your case. There is a good chance your judge, spouse, and the opposing attorney will be checking your posts.
