Divorces can sometimes be contentious affairs because they are so emotional, and people often have feelings of hurt and resentment. In some ways, access to social media can make this worse. Wisconsin couples who are ending their marriages may be tempted to air their grievances on Facebook, but this could prove to be a serious mistake.
Additionally, people may struggle with their divorce if they see all of the other social media posts of happily married friends and family. No one’s life is perfect, but many are able to give the impression of an idyllic existence by the way they manage their social media accounts. It is easy for people who are going through a divorce to become depressed when comparing their lives to the filtered lives of others.
Social media can also affect the outcomes of a divorce because posts can sometimes be used in a courtroom. People posting pictures of fancy vacations may not be looked at favorably by a judge when they are also claiming to be unable to afford spousal support. Images of parents drinking or partying may be used against them in a custody battle. Therefore, it is essential that people are careful about what they share on Facebook and other sites.
Social media posts can even affect how things like property division is ordered. This is because judges often have leeway in determining these matters, and the arguments made in a courtroom may sway a ruling. Family law attorneys will often advise their clients to be discreet and not let their emotions get in the way of making sound decisions.