During a divorce, it can be quite tempting to talk badly about your soon-to-be ex, especially these days when it’s so easy to share our every thought and feeling on social media. You might be feeling intimidated, angry or bitter and think that saying something hurtful or negative about your ex on Facebook will make you feel better.
But the truth is that doing so could get you into some serious trouble. Not only can questionable online activity affect court orders in some case, it can also prove to be a violation of your prenuptial agreement if you have a social media clause in place.
To begin with, you should know that social media profiles and what you share online can be used against you by your ex in court. For instance, if you are hurling insults, making false accusations and saying purposefully damaging things about your ex online where your children can read it, the courts may question your emotional stability and your capabilities as a parent.
Further, as noted in this Forbes article, you could end up facing penalties if you included a social media clause in your prenup and are found to be in violation of it. These clauses essentially dictate what spouses can and cannot say online in regard to their relationship, their family and each other during a marriage and in the event of a divorce. In some cases, violating this clause can come with financial penalties if the clause and the document are enforceable.
Too many people think that being mean, vindictive or trying to seek revenge via social media will help them feel better about a difficult situation. While it may feel good right away, the fact is that doing so can have long-term consequences that far outweigh the benefits.
There is certainly nothing wrong with reaching out for support, venting frustration and sharing your personal experiences online. However, at a certain point, you could be doing more harm than good. In order to avoid this and also protect yourself from an ex who may be engaging in this type of behavior, it can be crucial to speak with your attorney and understand the situation from a legal perspective.
