Overcoming Personal and Legal Challenges

Overcoming Personal and Legal Challenges

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How can social media complicate a divorce?

If you are a fan of social media, you certainly are not alone. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, upwards of 70% of American adults claim to use social media platforms regularly. As you undoubtedly know, though, not all social media posts are good ones.

While there usually is nothing wrong with posting to social media, you may want to think twice before logging into your accounts during your divorce. After all, social media can complicate your divorce in a variety of ways.

The risk of irritating your soon-to-be ex-spouse

Even if you eventually have to litigate parts of your divorce, you probably can address much of it outside of the courtroom. If your social media posts irritate your soon-to-be ex-spouse, though, he or she may be less likely to negotiate with you.

The risk of embarrassing yourself

You might think your social media posts are only viewable to your close friends and relatives. In reality, though, online posts have a way of becoming public. If you do not want your spouse and his or her lawyers to read your posts aloud in open court, you should probably be discreet about what you post.

The risk of paying more in spousal support

If you believe you cannot afford to pay much in spousal support, you might be correct. Nevertheless, social media posts that showcase lavish or extravagant spending might make a judge believe otherwise.

Even though divorce is rarely pleasant, social media can make yours much worse than it needs to be. Ultimately, by exercising discretion before posting on social media, you can keep your divorce from turning into a nightmare.