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Your social media posts could tank your divorce case

You may think that you are savvy about social media, but there’s more to learn than just how to be Instagram-ready for the perfect shot on your next vacation. In fact, if you are truly wise, you won’t post a single shot from or even mention your next beach trip online.

Sure, everyone deserves a little break from the grind now and then. Nobody is saying that you can’t head out of town for a long weekend — or even a week. But how that could be perceived by the family law judge after your soon-to-be ex-spouse’s divorce attorney spins it in the worst possible light is what you seek to avoid.

Your request for spousal support could be denied

Maybe you were married for 20 years and gave up a promising career to rear the children and make a fine home for your family. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it does leave you with barely marketable job skills after you divorce. You ask that your family law attorney petition the court for spousal support so that you can get retrained and back into the workforce.

But there you are, on a beach in Cabo with an umbrella drink in your hand. It’s certainly your right to take a trip, but imagine how that will be portrayed by someone who doesn’t want to part with a penny more than they must to get out of the marriage.

All is not as it seems online

But, you may counter, your accounts are set to private, so only your friends can see. Just how well do you know all of the 359 Facebook friends you have? All it would take is for one of them to innocently or not so innocently share a shot with your ex. Before you can say “screenshot!” you may have damaged your case.

Social media can affect custody

If your ex is seeking primary custody, they may allege that you lead a partying lifestyle that makes them a better fit to parent the kids. You insist that’s untrue, but then opposing counsel introduces Exhibits 1 through 9 showing you with a drink sloshing around in a glass while you mug for the camera. It just doesn’t look good.

Do you have to shut down your social media accounts?

Not necessarily. But take a hiatus. Most social media allow you to “go dark” for a time without actually shutting down the account. If you do elect to continue posting, post shots that are impossible to take out of context, like you playing with the kids or going on field trips with their class. You get the idea.

Don’t sink a winnable case

If you have any questions as to whether your online activities could raise a red flag, run it by your Gaithersburg family law attorney. You are paying good money for quality legal advice, so avail yourself of it now. Then, heed the wisdom they impart.

Related Posts: Infidelity can greatly impact your divorce, Abandonment makes divorce harder, Prepare yourself for the complexities of a divorce, Logical thinking can benefit you in a divorce, How do you know when your marriage is over?,
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