It does not matter how high you set your security on social media sites like Facebook. A way can often be found to find out what you post, especially in a divorce. Emotions often run high during this time, and Texas residents might use social media as an outlet for any anger, hurt and resentment they feel. Unfortunately, those posts, among others, could end up coming back to haunt them.
Some soon-to-be former spouses already know this and might bait the other party into making posts that create a picture of instability and/or anger. In addition, the parties’ friends, and their friends’ friends, get to read about how the marriage broke down and how each of them is reacting to it. Most people would not want the world knowing the details of their lives, and social media contacts will probably grow weary of seeing such posts.
Furthermore, each party only gets one chance to make a first impression before the court. If social media posts or photographs paint a party in an unflattering light, it could affect the outcome of the proceedings. Even if an individual’s social media pages do not include the other party, any information could get back to him or her.
Social media might be a good way to keep in touch with friends and family, but in the midst of a divorce, it could interfere with your efforts to negotiate an amicable divorce settlement. If a court battle is on the horizon, anything you post could end up as evidence in court. This is why many Texas family law attorneys recommend that their clients avoid using social media, or at least curtail making any posts about their lives or any disparaging posts about their spouses.
Source: goodmenproject.com, “How Not to Commit Social Media Suicide During Your Divorce“, March 27, 2017
