In Oklahoma, many people going through divorce understand the need for restraint and not overreacting in obvious ways. However, it has become increasingly apparent that subtle reactions are the true enemy of divorce decorum. In a name, that understated foe is called social media.

Social Media and Divorce

During a divorce, emotions run high, spurring anxiety and combative thoughts. While negative social media imprints are not exactly blatant, the effects are enduring. When a contentious accusation or comment finds a virtual home in cyberspace, it becomes a permanent member of record that can be used in legal proceedings.

Anything from incriminating photographs to bragging comments, information and images shared through social media can provide direct, contradictory evidence against one’s claims during a divorce proceeding. For example, an individual gunning for primary custody should not post pictures of their children that suggest negligence or criminality. In divorce cases where a person is seeking financial support, bragging about buying expensive items or vacations is also a bad idea. Once this information is privy to the world, deleting it could be considered deliberate and deceitful.

Other less-than-obvious factors that can be detrimental are financial and other informational paper trails. Forms such as job and loan applications contain specific information. There have been cases where these documents are used to suggest dishonesty on a party’s behalf, therefore diminishing the strength of that person’s position in divorce court.

There is little doubt about the fact that divorce can be generally messy. Property division and child custody issues are just part of the legal and emotional minefield during the end of a marriage. Retaining a divorce attorney may help someone avoid imperceptible missteps that cause unnecessary problems during divorce proceedings.