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Despite the impact of COVID-19, we are open and continuing to meet the needs of our existing clients and new clients without interruption or change in the quality of our services. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any concerns, questions or requests for information about your matter. At this time we are offering appointments via telephonic and/or video conferencing.
To help out during these trying times we are offering Free Consultations. Click here to Schedule a Consultation.

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Social media and divorce

May 5, 2016 | Divorce

When a New Jersey couple is facing the end of their marriage, emotions run high. In pre-Internet days, they would probably share their frustrations on the phone or in person with friends while socializing. Nowadays, however, many people keep in touch via social media accounts. This can be a game changer when it comes to processing emotions during the divorce process.

There are several common mistakes that people make on social media during a divorce. Making derogatory remarks about one’s estranged spouse or the marriage itself is not a good idea. Another is discussing one’s involvement in a romantic relationship before the divorce has been finalized. At the very least, sharing this information could result in the other spouse becoming hurt and more antagonistic during divorce proceedings. In some cases, these disclosures could actively be used against a spouse when it comes to making decisions about child custody.

People should be careful about posting photographs or status updates that show them spending money on anything other than necessities. For example, if a person is requesting alimony yet is posting pictures of a new car or expensive vacation, the judge may wonder whether the additional financial help is actually needed. Similarly, if child custody is an issue, it is particularly important to not put anything online that could call into question one’s parenting skills. Parents should not discuss wild parties, alcohol consumption or any other activities that could be used to question their fitness to care for their children.

People who have irreconcilable differences may think that litigation is the only way to end a marriage. However, attorneys may recommend mediation as a quicker and less-expensive method to resolve the contentious disputes, especially when children are involved.