Social Media Tips During a Maryland Divorce: What Not to Do

Social media and divorce do not mix well for so many reasons. What you put on your social media could affect your divorce case. It might negatively impact your property division, custody, or even the possibility of a peaceful settlement. You may feel frustrated and want to talk about the marital issues online, but it is rarely a good idea to do so. 

At RPM Law, our Maryland divorce attorneys at handling your divorce. We discuss the perils of social media during your divorce and help you know what not to do.  

1. Avoid Venting About Your Spouse

Venting online can feel great…at first. Then you realize how publicly airing your issues can backfire for you. Maryland courts can look at your posts if presented as evidence during your divorce. Your posts could be used against you and cast aspersions on your character. This might impact custody, property division, and more.

Avoid direct or passing references to your divorce or your soon-to-be ex. Your online posts could be interpreted as harassment or other problematic behavior.

2. Keep New Relationships To Yourself

Maryland has moved to no-fault divorces. However, posting about your new relationship could still impact your divorce. Posts about new relationships, even if the relationship started after separation, could impact your case both emotionally and financially. 

Even in no-fault divorce cases, it can simply upset your spouse and make them less likely to negotiate. This can cost you time and money. 

3. Keep Your Financial Details and Purchases to Yourself

Courts work to divide up assets fairly, not always equally. Posting about your purchases or your finances could impact your case. It could seem like you are dissipating marital assets, even if you made a completely reasonable and necessary purchase.

The opposing attorney may investigate your social media posts for anything they can use to imply you are abusing marital assets. Don’t give them ammo to use against you.

4. Don’t Destroy Existing Posts

Once the divorce begins, your social media posts could be considered evidence subject to discovery. Deleting any of your past messages, photographs, or posts could be considered destruction of evidence. Whether you would do this normally won’t matter if it is perceived as trying to hide something.

Consult your attorney about your online posts and whether any may cause concern. Often, you can get ahead of or explain a post in the right context. 

5. Don’t Post Private Legal Details About Your Children

Maryland courts respect the children’s privacy and won’t look kindly on any inappropriate disclosures. Talking online about your visitation schedule, the custody you hope to get, or other issues can be considered very inappropriate. The court may question your maturity as a parent, which could hurt your custody case.

Protect your child’s privacy online. Don’t post about them or their impact on your divorce. 

6. Even “Private Messages” May Not Be Private

Don’t assume your direct messages or “friends-only” posts are safe. They are discoverable, and if you have them, you can be required to turn them over. If you don’t want the judge or your spouse to read it, don’t post it in the first place.

7. Don’t Let Others Post for You

Too many people think they can vent through their friends or family members. Or, you told something to someone, and without your permission, they post about it on social media. If you talk to someone about your divorce, ask them to not share any of this online.

Get Assistance from a Dedicated Maryland Divorce Attorney with Your Divorce

Social media can be a dangerous thing during a divorce. What you share could come back to haunt you later. If you have any questions or concerns about your social media, or your spouse’s, bring it to your attorney’s attention right away.Our team at RPM Law stands ready to help with your divorce needs. Contact us today for a consultation.