Divorce

Social Media During Your Divorce

Social media has become such a natural part of our day that many of us fail to notice how often we turn to these platforms to share our thoughts, feelings, and more. If anything, the pandemic has made this dependence on social media even more pronounced. While our commitment to social media isn’t normally a concern, this may not be the case if you are going through a divorce. If you are headed toward a divorce, the surest way to strategize your best path forward is with an experienced Illinois divorce attorney in your corner. 

Social Media Can Play an Important Role

The fact is that social media can play an important role in our lives, and that role is allowing us to connect more easily – even when we may be far apart and unable to get together as often as we’d like. As such, social media platforms like Facebook (now called Meta) and Instagram have assumed primary importance in the lives of many.

Privacy Matters

What many of us forget is that when you post it on social media, you have no reasonable expectation of privacy. One screenshot later, and that post – that you were sure to amp up your privacy settings regarding – may have spread like wildfire through your contacts. The primary point regarding social media and privacy is that you should expect everything you post to get back to your divorcing spouse (and to his or her attorney), which means that – if you wouldn’t want either to see it – you shouldn’t post it. 

Ultimately, pulling the plug on social media while your divorce is pending may be your best option – because you simply never know what kind of reaction that picture or text you share is going to stir up, and when it comes to divorce, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Protecting Yourself

If you aren’t ready to stay off of your social media for the time being, keep the following points regarding social media hygiene in mind as you move forward:

• Skip changing your relationship status until after your divorce is final 
• Make your divorce a taboo topic (and stick to this resolution)
• Ask your friends, family members, and loved ones to be sensitive about the matter in relation to their own posts (that picture of you at a wedding reception with a glass of champagne in both hands – however innocent – is unlikely to set the right tone or send the right message)
• If you wouldn’t want the judge to read your text or see the picture you’re about to post, skip it altogether.

Reach Out to an Experienced Illinois Divorce Attorney for the Legal Guidance You’re Looking for Today

The seasoned Illinois divorce attorneys at SLG Family Law have the legal insight and savvy to help guide your divorce toward its most favorable resolution – including helping to keep you out of hot water on social media. Your case is important, so please don’t wait to contact us for more information today.