If you and your ex are heading into a custody dispute/trial the best thing you can do for your case is to completely disengage and go radio silent. Statistically, over 75% of adults engage in social media. That being said, this is the time, if remotely possible to stop.
If you still feel compelled to stay in touch through social media (yes, we are in a Pandemic and for many people this is the only way of reaching out to the outside world while going through the extreme stress of a break up) here are some important tips when it comes to custody.
Do not, under any circumstances post anything on social media relating to alcohol use or drugs. Even the most innocuous post of a Super Bowl beer may be held against you, much less a party or other “super spreader” event.
Never post anything about a new relationship in your life, no matter how happy you are or how much you want your friends to see you moving forward. This is simply not the time to have those images being brought forth in Court.
Likewise, until custody is resolved do not indulgein online dating. If this shows up in Court, right or wrong it most likely will have an impact on custody proceedings.
Do not under any circumstances bad mouth your ex. This is easily used against you as an inability to co-parent, as well as the possibility of your children seeing same. If the children are privy to this information, it can also be seen as a form of parental alienation. It can also show a pattern of a lack of a safe environment for the children.
If you communicate with your ex by social media make sure all you say is content neutral. You must always assume that your posts, emails , texts, etc. will show up in Court to be used against you.
Do not post on social media anything that is confidential to your case. This includes not only anything the appears in Court Orders but also anything regarding your children’s mental status their grades, or even where they have been accepted to college. Leave the children out of it!
Do not ever delete anything you have written as it can be retrieved. A deletion can be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
Lastly, and I hope this goes without saying, but do not post anything complaining about the Judge assigned to your case or the Court System in general. This can only cause prejudice against you within the system. No one is perfect, but Judges do try their very best to help your family throughthis difficult process.
