5 Tips for Handling Facebook and Other Social Media in Your Illinois Divorce

 Posted on July 14, 2022 in Chicago divorce attorney

Facebook, Instagram, and other social media websites can be beneficial in many ways. However, more and more people are starting to recognize that social media can also have major disadvantages. Research shows that social media frequently contributes to marital breakdown. Facebook and other social media websites and applications can also heavily influence divorce cases. In one survey, over 80 percent of divorce lawyers said they had presented social media evidence in court. Two-thirds of the attorneys surveyed said that Facebook is one of their primary sources of evidence in divorces.

Do’s and Do Not’s of Using Facebook During Your Divorce

Social media can influence your life in many different ways. During a divorce, it is important to make sure that social media does not negatively impact your case or your psychological well-being. As you navigate the divorce process, keep the following tips in mind:

• Do be aware of what you are publishing online – Anything you post on Facebook can become evidence in your divorce case. Consider an example: You post pictures of a lavish tropical vacation you just took with your family members. When you petition the court for spousal maintenance, your spouse tries to block the request by claiming that you clearly have enough money to go on a vacation and therefore do not need alimony.

• Do not post pictures that paint you in an unflattering light – Avoid publishing pictures of you using alcohol or drugs – especially if you have children. Additionally, change your Facebook settings so that other people cannot tag you in photographs without your consent.

• Do update your passwords – It is always a good idea to change your passwords on your social media accounts if you are getting separated or divorced. Many people share computers, tablets, and other devices with their spouses which means that the passwords may automatically be saved in shared devices.

• Do not use your Facebook account to badmouth your spouse – Understandably, many people going through a divorce need to vent about their frustrations. However, it is best to do this with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. Badmouthing your spouse online may be used against you in a divorce or child custody proceeding.

• Do keep in mind that social media is not an accurate reflection of most peoples’ lives – Because people only post the good parts of their lives, Facebook can make it seem as if everyone is doing better than you. Do not fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others on social media.

Contact our Yorkville Divorce Lawyer

If you are getting divorced, contact the The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C. for trustworthy legal advice and assistance. Aurora divorce attorney Matthew Williams has over 15 years of experience and is qualified to help with property division, child custody, spousal maintenance, and more. Call our office today at 630-409-8184 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.natlawreview.com/article/family-law-social-media-evidence-divorce-cases

https://joctec.org/archives/volume-4-issue-1/johnson2021/