If you are getting a divorce in Miami Valley, Ohio, there are certain things you should and shouldn’t do to preserve the integrity of your case. One example of this is social media and divorce cases, and how something as simple as what you post online can have a huge impact on the outcome of your case.
Are you wondering how to avoid social media mistakes during a divorce? If so, check out this article, where we will be discussing what you should and shouldn’t do online during your divorce case and how a divorce attorney in Miami Valley, Ohio can help.
How Social Media Can Be Used Against You
Divorce cases are incredibly personal and have become even more so as Ohio divorce rules have allowed for social media evidence. Now, not much of your life is safe from being examined when you start the process of a divorce.
It’s also important to remember that anything that goes online is there forever. You may think that you can simply say something and later delete it, but this isn’t the case.
Anything you do, say, or post online can be used against you in divorce court, especially when it relates to evidence of behavior. Your online activity can also be used to bring your transparency regarding finances into question if you have posted about things like new purchases or vacations.
A more severe ramification of social media activity is child custody agreements. Anything you post online could be misinterpreted to show that you are not a responsible parent.
Overall, it is important to proceed with extreme caution regarding how you behave online when you are going through a divorce. Even something that is completely innocent can be twisted and used against you and ultimately impact the outcome of your divorce.
Do’s for Social Media During Divorce
Now that you know how digital evidence in Ohio divorce cases can be used against you, what should you do to avoid these mistakes? The good news is that there are certain things you can do to minimize the risks associated with social media so that your divorce case can proceed smoothly.
Here are some best practices to use regarding your social media accounts during your divorce case:
- Private accounts: One of the first things you should do is to set all of your social media accounts to private so that they are only viewable to your followers. Additionally, you should remove your ex-spouse and any of their friends or family members so that they can no longer view your account.
- Limit interactions: As a general rule, it is always best to reduce your social media presence during your divorce case. This includes limiting how much you interact with others online and who you interact with, especially if they are mutual connections of your ex-spouse.
- Stop activity: The best possible strategy you can use regarding social media during your divorce is to simply stop any social media activity. Doing this ensures there is the least risk of anything you post or say online being used against you.
Another step you should take to avoid your social media presence being used against you is to hire a divorce attorney in Miami Valley, Ohio. Finding a divorce lawyer will be an essential step in ensuring you get a favorable outcome, especially for more complex divorce cases where there are more assets on the table or there is contention, having an attorney on your side will be invaluable.
Don’ts for Social Media During Divorce
Although there are some things you can do to avoid common social media mistakes during your Miami Valley divorce case, it is more important to understand what not to do. Even something that may seem innocent on the surface can easily be misrepresented in divorce court.
Here are some of the top things you should never do on social media until your divorce case has closed:
- Brag: Something that can easily be used against you in divorce court is if you post online about things like vacations or purchases. These are things that can look suspicious and ultimately impact the outcome of how assets are divided.
- Vent: Many people go online to vent about things that are going on in their lives, including how they may feel about their ex-spouse during a divorce. This is one of the worst things you can do, as it can be used against you in court.
- Delete posts: Although it may seem like a good idea to delete posts that could be used against you in court, this is actually a bad idea. Even deleted posts can be recovered, and just the act of deleting things online can look suspicious.
FAQ Section
Can my spouse use my social media posts in court?
In most cases, all forms of social media are admissible evidence in court, including anything you have posted to your social media accounts.
Should I deactivate my account during a divorce?
If you want, you can deactivate your social media accounts or you could simply stay off of them for the time being. Deleting accounts entirely may look suspicious, so this is something you should discuss with your attorney beforehand.
Is it legal to post about my divorce?
Although it isn’t illegal to post about your divorce case, it is a very bad idea to do so. You also should never share any confidential legal information online, such as court documents or sensitive case details.
Can deleted posts be retrieved?
It is possible for deleted social media posts to be retrieved if it is determined that they are evidence in the divorce case. Also, just the act of deleting social media posts can damage your side of the divorce, as it creates suspicion regarding your intentions.
Hire a Divorce Attorney in Miami Valley
Everything you post and do online can have a significant impact on your divorce case, which is why you need to proceed with caution. Richard P. Arthur, Attorney at Law, has extensive experience handling Miami Valley divorce cases and can help you avoid common social media mistakes. To move forward with your divorce case, contact us today at 937-254-3738 for a free consultation.