Social media is an undeniable part of daily life. It allows people to keep in touch with loved ones around the globe, share important moments instantly, and connect with brands they love. There is a lot of potential for positivity with social media. However, during a divorce, social media and your posting habits can suddenly become your enemy, with your soon to be ex-spouse using everything you post against you.
Don’t Have Public Fights on Social Media
It’s important to keep what is happening in your divorce private. Do not have public fights or vent about your ex on any public arena, including social media. If you have children, imagine how they would feel reading your status updates saying horrible things about their other parent, even if what you are saying is true. Let your New Orleans divorce attorney handle any issues during the divorce proceedings.
Don’t Talk about Your Dating Status
While Louisiana is a no-fault divorce state, adultery could impact child custody and/or spousal support. Even if you have been separated for years, keep your personal life private during your divorce. If you post photos of you and your new beau, the other side may use them against you as a way to limit or reduce your visitation rights.
Watch Your Spending Habits
Spouses are required to disclose all of their assets and debts during a divorce. In a contested divorce, spouses often accuse each other of hiding money or squandering assets. If you post photos of your expensive shopping trips or lavish vacations, the court may determine you were trying to liquidate marital assets or engaging in frivolous spending and award you less of the marital assets. Louisiana is a community property state when it comes to divorce. That means that all marital assets are typically split 50/50 — including debts. If you are going on lavish shopping trips assuming your ex will automatically pay for half of the debt, your ex may be using social media to prove all these debts were incurred after you separated, or that you are purposely running up debt.
Custody Concerns
Social media can impact your custody in a number of ways. If you are posting questionable status updates and photos, your ex’s lawyer may use them against you as proof of why you shouldn’t have custody. In addition, you could be held responsible for what your children post. If you have custody of the children during the divorce proceedings and your children are acting out on social media, your ex could try to use that against you as well.
Retaining a Louisiana Family Law Attorney
If you are preparing to file for divorce or are in a custody dispute, it’s important to speak with a Louisiana family law attorney. You need to protect your rights as well as the rights of your children. At Candice Bennatt Law, we focus on all areas of family law matters, including divorce, separation, child support, custody, and visitation. Contact our office at 504-777-3500 today to schedule a consultation.
Candice Bennatt is a Family Law Attorney who practices in Metairie, Louisiana. Learn more about her experience by clicking here.
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