Your Facebook etiquette is probably the last thing on your mind if your relationship and your family is facing a break-up….but it could have a serious impact on the outcome if you aren’t careful. You may think of your Facebook or Twitter primarily as a way of talking to and keeping in touch with friends. Don’t forget that what we post may be totally public, and that it can affect how others see us. It’s particularly important to bear this in mind if you are going through divorce, separation, access, custody or maintenance disputes in the family law courts because how your behaviour is perceived by others could affect key decisions. Here’s a short guide to some simple DOs and DONTs:
DO suspend your use of all social media, if you can. You may be sharing things best kept private at present.
DON’T forget that some “Friends”, may no longer be “on your side”. It’s unfortunate but true that friends you shared may be divided by your break-up…..
At the very least, DO limit your privacy settings to filter who can view your page.
DON’T post derogatory comments about your ex, or run them down in any way – this may be used in evidence against you….literally!
DO limit messaging with your former partner to necessary texts only, and be polite and civil at all times.
DON’T post photographs or allow friends to post photographs of you, as these can also show up elsewhere. This may sound a little drastic, but even simple photos of you away for the weekend can indicate a lifestyle and your ex may try to use this in an application for increased maintenance. Photos of you drinking can also be used, particularly if alcohol is a factor being stated against you in access or custody matters. I’m not suggesting that you deliberately hide your real self but that you exercise caution particularly if you are involved in a bitter dispute
If you must post, DO take time to consider what you are doing or what you want to say, particularly if you are angry or upset. Run it by a trusted friend if you are unsure….
DON’T – under any circumstances – discuss or mention the family law proceedings. You may think your comments are unbiased and objective, but the law and the courts may not view it that way.