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SOCIAL MEDIA AND DIVORCE: WHAT NOT TO DO

social media

Divorces can be complicated, painful, and emotional situations.



The popularity of social media has not made them any easier. With emotions flying, updates available every moment of the day, and an audience of close friends and family at your disposal, it is no wonder many people take to these real-time platforms to express themselves. Be careful, though! What seems like an innocent, run-of-the-mill status update venting your frustration or elation to friends can actually make your divorce proceedings more complex, layered and unsuccessful. The best advice? Refrain from posting. If you are an active user, read this helpful guide or contact Valerie M. Little Family Law for representation and tailored legal advice for your divorce in Coquitlam.


Social Media Guide: 5 Don'ts for Your Divorce

It isn’t easy navigating this new, always on, connected world. Here are 5 things not to do online while going through a divorce:

 

1. Believe in confidentiality. The word “private” online doesn’t mean a whole lot. Assume that anything you do online can be traced, repeated and disclosed in court. Whether it is an online profile you deleted, photos, or messages sent in secrecy, they can entered as evidence in the courtroom.

2. Delete. If you have been served divorce papers, your first instinct may be to delete previous social media activity. Refrain from doing so until you have consulted with your family attorney in Coquitlam. There may be legal consequences for removing your history, so get advice before hitting delete.

3. Lie. Be upfront with the judge and your own divorce lawyer when it comes to social media. That means everything from dating websites to family Facebook groups. Even if it isn’t complimentary, it is better that you tell the truth than get caught in a lie and face perjury or contempt. Don’t leave your attorney unaware and unprepared to deal with your social media postings.

4. Overshare. A little censorship can save you a lot of trouble. If you would be embarrassed to have the post or photo projected in a courtroom in front of friends, your children, your ex and most importantly, a judge, then hold back on sharing. This doesn’t only apply to your own profiles. Messages and comments should also be posted with careful consideration.

5. Fake it. Social media evidence is so powerful because it is timestamped, self-generated and familiar to judges. Don’t attempt to create a false sense of self or project a lifestyle you don’t have in order to gain points in the courtroom. If the validity of your posts is called into question, especially with a witness who can testify against you, your credibility will be difficult (or impossible) to recover.

Hire a family law lawyer in Coquitlam for professional legal advice and guidance to help you resolve your family law problems.


Need more guidance on how to act, post, and publish while getting a divorce? Get representation from an experienced family lawyer at Valerie M Little Family Law. Our team can provide honest, open and supportive legal services for your divorce that covers all the bases. From online conduct to court date expectations, we can help make your divorce go as smoothly as possible. Get the results you want and protect your family with help from our knowledgeable team. 

 

Find out more about making your divorce or legal separation easier. Book a consultation with Valerie M. Little Law Corporation. Reach us at or contact us online today.


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