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11
Jan 2022
Last Updated: 11/01/2022
Raworths family law experts have this key advice if you’re going through a divorce
The family law team at Raworths has been working with families for decades, offering support and expertise to ensure the divorce process meets everyone’s objectives without unnecessary conflict or cost.
This article is sponsored by Raworths Solicitors.
Going through a divorce is a challenging time for everyone involved. Despite the best intentions at the outset to be civil, the mood can quickly become acrimonious and antagonistic, which makes the whole process unpleasant, drawn out – and more costly.
The family law team at Raworths has been working with families for decades, offering support and expertise to ensure the divorce process meets everyone’s objectives without unnecessary conflict or cost.
Solicitors Carmelita Ardren, head of the family law team and Ellie Foster, legal director, have guided many through the emotionally charged process of divorce. In an increasingly digital era they are encouraging those getting a divorce, or going through the process to consider their digital footprint and to…
Think before you click.
The use of social media to investigate an estranged spouse during divorce is increasing.
Carmelita said:
“Using social media posts to show the other person's behaviour can rapidly increase the temperature in divorce proceedings, lead to acrimony, and make things very difficult.
“My rule would be to think really carefully about how what you post online could be interpreted by the other person - and others in your community."
Ellie added:
“I’ve seen times where social media posts show that one person’s lifestyle is very different to the message they’re saying elsewhere, for example to their solicitor.
“Rather than being open and transparent, it just arouses suspicion from day one and immediately leads to mistrust.”
So what are some of the key areas to avoid when posting on social media during a divorce?
- New relationships. Especially if one person has moved on more quickly than the other, it can cause unnecessary distress.
- Anything that's different to what you’re saying elsewhere. As Carmelita says, “If you’re claiming you can’t work because of ill health, don’t post about completing a half-marathon. It sounds obvious, but it happens.”
- Anything illegal. Publicising details of proceedings or arrangements, especially involving children, can be against the law.
Carmelita and Ellie stress that staying as civil as possible throughout the divorce is beneficial for everyone – especially where children are involved.
Ellie said:
“It’s so easy for comments posted on social media about your partner to get back to your children, through their own friends and parents. Think about the potential effect on them before you post.”
And as Carmelita points out, it’s not just about young children:
“You might be friends with your teen or adult children on social media. Think about your privacy settings and how details of new relationships or complaints about their other parent could raise questions or make children very uncomfortable.
“Also remember that you aren’t just in your children’s lives until they are 18; you’ll still have to come into contact with the other parent at weddings, christenings and other events beyond them turning 18.”
If you’re going through a divorce and see something on social media that you think could help your case, the advice is to get advice.
As Ellie puts it,
“Don’t set out to dig things up on your ex, it’s generally not helpful. But if you do come across something you think is important, don’t share it with the entire community, talk through its relevance with your solicitor.”
Carmelita added:
“You might think it’s the lynchpin. While it might be key in disproving credibility, nine times out of ten it’s not. Diving straight in can complicate things and cause unnecessary conflict.”
The Raworths family law team put the client at the centre of their approach, offering support and guidance to help people move forwards. They can also assist you in accessing other services from counselling to financial advice.
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