Longmont Social Media During Divorce
How Social Media Can Hurt Your Longmont Divorce Case
During a divorce, you may be tempted to share your concerns or vent about your spouse on social media. However, engaging in this type of behavior can be detrimental to your case.
At Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., our goal is to streamline the divorce process and help our clients achieve favorable outcomes. To do so, work hard to educate our clients, help them pre-plan, and avoid common social media pitfalls.
It is essential to understand that any information you post on social media can be used against you in court. One seemingly innocent post could:
- Damage your credibility
- Misrepresent your financial situation
- Expose sensitive information about your divorce or children
- Complicate negotiations
- Impact custody decisions
To protect your interests and achieve the best outcome, we recommend consulting with our experienced legal team.
Best Practices During Divorce Proceedings
Social media may seem like the ideal platform to air your grievances or find emotional support during divorce proceedings. However, it can also be a source of evidence that can be used against you. To protect your interests:
- Avoid posting about your divorce: Do not share information or photos related to your case, personal life, or feelings about your current spouse. This may feel extreme. However, even seemingly innocent posts can be used against you in court.
- Adjust privacy settings: While we recommend putting a pause on your social media routine, we know this may not be possible for all clients. In such cases, we recommend adjusting security settings to achieve as much privacy as possible.
- Talk to our attorneys: If you have questions or concerns about anything related to social media—whether concerning your own habits or your spouse’s online activity—consult with us. We will give you sound legal advice that will serve your long-term interests.
- Maintain respect at all times: Avoid engaging in arguments or heated discussions with your spouse, their family, or friends on social media. By staying calm, level, and calculated, you will avoid unnecessary legal complications during the divorce process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my spouse gain access to my private messages or deleted posts during the divorce process?
Yes, it's possible. During the discovery process, your spouse's attorney may request access to your social media accounts, including private messages. Even deleted posts can sometimes be recovered through forensic methods or subpoenas to the social media companies. It's crucial to assume that anything you've ever posted or messaged could potentially be accessed and used in the divorce proceedings.
How far back can social media posts be considered relevant in a divorce case?
There's no strict time limit on how far back social media posts can be considered relevant. Generally, posts made during the marriage are most pertinent, especially those from the period leading up to the divorce. However, older posts could still be relevant if they pertain to ongoing issues such as financial habits or parenting concerns.
What should I do if my spouse is posting negatively about me during our divorce?
Do not engage or retaliate online. Instead:
- Document the posts by taking screenshots or saving them.
- Inform your attorney immediately.
- If the posts are defamatory or violate any existing court orders, your attorney may take legal action.
- In severe cases involving threats or harassment, consider reporting the posts to the platform or law enforcement.
Should I delete my social media accounts during the divorce process?
Deleting accounts or posts could be seen as destroying evidence, which can have negative legal consequences. Instead, consider temporarily deactivating your accounts or significantly limiting your social media use during the divorce process. Always consult with our attorneys before making any major changes to your online presence.
Trusted & Compassionate Legal Guides for Your Divorce
Social media and divorce generally do not mix. If you are concerned about what your posts are saying about you in the eyes of the court, let our Longmont divorce lawyers know. With our counsel and guidance, we will help you through the system to an outcome which considers and protects your best interests. Our law firm also has offices in Denver, Loveland, and Broomfield, CO.
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