Presence on social media and Divorce in Texas
If you are about to go through a divorce, it is important remember that your soon-to-be ex-spouse’s attorney will be looking for evidence to help his or her client; that includes looking on social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, You Tube, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, Snapchat, Reddit, Flickr, Swarm and LinkedIn for evidence of your lifestyle or for comments or photographs that contradict statements you are making during the process.
It isn’t all too surprising that attorneys are turning to social media websites for evidence as these websites’ popularity has escalated in recent years. According to a survey by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, in the past five years 81 percent of its members had used or faced evidence collected from social media websites during divorce proceedings.
Even if evidence gained from Facebook and its ilk is making its way into divorce proceedings, evidence from these websites can only be used against you if you post information that can hurt your case. To better protect yourself and your case, consider the following social media tips:
- Privacy settings – restrict who can view your online profile by changing the privacy settings. If your privacy settings are set to public anyone with access to the Internet can view your profile.
- Posting – don’t post pictures of extravagant purchases or vacations. Nor should you post rants that trash your soon-to-be ex-spouse. In short, don’t post anything that you might later regret or that can be used against you.
- Friends – while you might have restricted your privacy settings, existing friends who can still view your profile may be reporting back to soon-to-be ex-spouse about information you post or others post about you.
- 5 tips for protecting your privacy while using social media include:
- Use unique passwords for each social network
- Watch your mailbox
- Don’t be too personal
- Lock your phone
- Use the block button
Social media can be fun and a way to stay in touch. It can also be used against you in a divorce. Learn what you can do to minimize the negative impact of being on social media if a divorce is looming in your future.
