Over the past several years, social media has started to play a bigger role in divorce proceedings. Some of what you post on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media platforms could get you into serious trouble with the courts and/or you soon-to-be ex.

Certain true statements could come back to hurt you.

For instance, you know that your ex is a liar, cheated on you, and maybe even drained your matrimonial assets while having an affair. So, in response, you go online and post a statement on social media letting everyone know just how badly you were treated.

While the statement is true, consider what could potentially happen if your ex’s employer were to see your post. Your comments and statements could have a direct impact on your spouse’s employment and/or career advancement.

Let’s just assume your ex’s employment is actually terminated because of your post. Now, you have indirectly hurt yourself because your spouse has no income and cannot afford to pay child support and/or spousal support, or may actually need support from you.

Your ex may sue for slander and libel.

Social media provides individuals with the freedom to say whatever they want most of the time. Most of the time there are no consequences. But sometimes statements on social media could result in a civil lawsuit against you.

For example, you are mad at your ex because he or she was late picking up the kids for their visitation. You post on social media how much of a deadbeat your ex is, and how they never pay child support on time. Now your ex-happens to see the post and knows this is not true.

If they can gather evidence to prove that you lied, they may have grounds to sue you for damages- libel being the written form of defamation. In addition, if you have pending matters in family court, you could potentially hurt your case by appearing bitter and out of control. Your actions would support your ex’s case.

Certain posts could get you in trouble with the court.

You are working towards a child custody agreement and support payments. You are attempting to get your support payments reduced because you are claiming you just don’t earn enough and are suffering hardship.

Yet, during this process, you go on vacation to the Caribbean and post pictures on Facebook, showing your luxurious trip. If your ex or someone they know sees these posts, and they almost certainly will, they can show their divorce lawyer, who could use this against you in Court. Any claim for hardship would be easily dismissed based upon the visual evidence.

As you can see, social media can create more problems and issues on top of a difficult divorce. It is better to show restraint while going through any legal process. Your life is already stressful enough: you do not need to further complicate matters by airing your opinions and making statements about the divorce process online for everyone to see. What you post can and will be used against you.

If you are not sure whether you should post comments and are questioning how to proceed, chances are you should not post at all. For legal advice about family law matters, divorce proceedings, or prenuptial agreements, please feel free to contact Davies Law Firm at (613) 688-0462 to schedule a consultation today!