The Effects of Digital Life and Social Media on Divorce

The Internet has drastically and irreversibly changed every aspect of our daily lives. It has also affected how we build relationships—or end them. Your presence on social media and how you use the Internet could profoundly impact your divorce process and co-parenting experience.

Find out more about how your digital life and social media may influence your divorce. When you’re ready to proceed with your divorce case, call Olmstead & Olmstead at 703-260-8752.

Social Media Can Contribute to Divorce

One of the big downsides of social media is how it can cause relationships to deteriorate. Some believe that social media makes us all know a little too much about each other, and that can definitely take a toll on a marriage. Some people use social media to showcase all of the highlights of their marriage, allowing others to believe that it really is all sunshine and rainbows. When others see this, they measure their own marriage up to an unachievable and unrealistic standard. Over time, this erodes your satisfaction with your marriage.

With apps like TikTok and Instagram, it’s all too easy to have a feed of attractive people on your phone whenever you’re bored. That doesn’t even take into consideration how easy it is to contact exes or “the one that got away” when you’re fighting with your spouse. People who would have once been relegated to your memories are now just a click away with social media.

Your Online Presence May Complicate Divorce Proceedings

Once you and your spouse have decided to divorce, don’t be surprised to find out that social media makes everything a little more complicated. Too many people have found out that their estranged spouse is dating again because of a Facebook post they weren’t meant to see. These sorts of revelations can cause serious rifts between co-parents and make it harder for them to communicate respectfully.

Social media posts and other online behavior can also be used against either party when it comes time to divide up marital assets. If one party uses Facebook Marketplace or a similar site to start selling off furniture and electronics from the marital home in an attempt to keep the cash for themselves, they’ll be unpleasantly surprised when those same posts are used as evidence in court.

An individual’s social media presence can also affect child support and spousal support decisions. If one spouse is claiming that they are too destitute to pay court-ordered child support or alimony, posts showcasing their luxury vehicles and frequent dinners out could expose their lies in court.

How Your Digital Life May Affect Child Custody Disputes

When the court makes decisions regarding child custody, the child’s best interests are always at the forefront. Social media can make it much easier for court officials to figure out where a child is safer and where they are more likely to get their needs met. If one parent’s social media profile paints the picture of someone involved in drugs, excessive partying, or illegal behavior, they could find it difficult to get unsupervised parenting time.

Social media may also expose attempts to alienate children. When one parent constantly smears their co-parent online or tries to ruin their reputation, it may indicate that they are unable to keep those thoughts to themselves during their parenting time.

The Upside of Social Media During Divorce

Of course, it’s not all bad news. The internet may be overwhelming at times, but it also allows us to connect with people we’d otherwise never meet. That can be incredibly helpful when you’re going through something traumatic like divorce. Online support groups can be an excellent source of camaraderie and encouragement on the days you’re not sure how to make it through. Since you don’t have to see those people at work or out in the community, you may feel more comfortable discussing your difficult feelings or the inner workings of your divorce.

Facing Divorce? Call Olmstead & Olmstead

You don’t have to go through this alone. With the team at Olmstead & Olmstead, you can advocate for yourself while preparing for life after divorce. Take the first step now by calling us at 703-260-8752 or contacting our team online.