Should I Avoid Social Media During a California Divorce?
Social media is becoming an increasingly central issue in many California divorces. Faced with these issues, you might wonder whether it makes sense to simply avoid your favorite social media platforms altogether. What are the risks associated with social media use during the divorce proceedings? What might happen if you post something problematic?
The RM Law Group, LLP can answer these questions and many others before, during, and after divorce. Our divorce attorneys in Cerritos are familiar with the most relevant issues in modern family law, and we can guide you away from common mistakes. Jason Martinez, Michael Recinos, and Aida Khamis all have relevant experience with social media in divorce.
It Might Be Best to Take a Break From Social Media During Your Divorce
According to Psychology Today, social media use during divorce can “exacerbate the difficult dynamics at play.” Many legal professionals recommend that their clients take a hiatus from social media until their divorces have been fully resolved. The truth is that social media can be something of a minefield at the end of a marriage, and it is all too easy to post something problematic. Even liking a certain post or reacting with an emoji can be enough to raise difficult questions in court.
Even if you delete a problematic social media post at a later date, your ex and their divorce lawyers might have taken a screenshot of the content. A social media post is like a signed statement in the eyes of the court, and this type of evidence is often admissible during litigation. Social media screenshots appear repeatedly in modern divorces, and they can help prove various things.
How Can a Social Media Post Affect My Divorce?
A social media post may affect various aspects of your divorce. Perhaps most notably, the family court may consider your online activities when making decisions on child custody. If you have posted controversial, disturbing, or incriminating content, your ex could attempt to use this against you in court. For example, you might post or “like” a meme with questionable, dark humor. If your ex highlights these online activities in court, the family court may question your mental state – and your suitability as a caregiver.
Social media evidence may also become relevant in the context of property division. For example, a spouse might brag about a cryptocurrency investment on social media – despite failing to disclose this asset during divorce proceedings. Their ex could then pursue this concealed asset while ensuring additional legal or financial penalties.
Even if you adopt a cautious approach to social media during your divorce, you could accidentally post problematic content. For example, your ex’s divorce lawyer might spot drug paraphernalia in the background of your selfie.
Contact Our Divorce Law Firm in California Today
Social media can present all kinds of issues during divorce, but you can tackle them confidently alongside experienced divorce attorneys in California. Choose The RM Law Group, LLP to work with Cerritos divorce lawyers who have considerable experience with digital evidence, complex family law challenges, and much more. Contact us for a free consultation at 866-706-3160 to get started today.
Jason Martinez is a co-founding partner of RM Law Group, LLP. His practice focuses exclusively on California Family Law and community property division, including litigation and settlement of complex and high-conflict divorce and child custody proceedings. Jason understands that divorce and family law issues have long-term effects on all family members, especially the children.
