Over the last 20 years, divorcing couples have discovered that social media can significantly impact the outcome of their cases. Whether you’re filing for divorce in Oakland County Circuit Court or preparing for a contentious custody battle in Livingston County, or a child support modification in Macomb County, what you do on social media sites will often come up as evidence in your case.
At The Kronzek Firm, we regularly counsel clients throughout Oakland County and Metro Detroit about the risks of posting on social media during divorce. From Bloomfield Township and Royal Oak to Commerce and Novi, understanding how social media postings can impact your divorce proceedings may be the difference between protecting your interests and damaging your case.
How Social Media Can Trigger a Divorce in Michigan
Many Oakland County marriages have been challenged because of social media. These platforms can create jealousy, distrust, and temptation. Some of the most common reasons our family law attorneys see include:
1. Unrealistic Expectations
People often post the highlights online. Things like vacations, new homes, and smiling children give the illusion that a person’s life is perfect. Spouses in Birmingham or West Bloomfield who are struggling may feel their relationship doesn’t measure up. This can cause tensions to run high and cause the relationship to implode.
2. Social Media Addiction
Just like any other addiction, compulsive social media use has negative effects on relationships. Issues such as mood swings, irritability, and lost time with family members become more frequent. These are particularly harmful when children are involved. The custody attorneys in our Oakland County office frequently see copies of Facebook pages or postings on Instagram or Twitter (X) appear in custody trials.
3. Distraction from Family
In homes across Novi and Ferndale, excessive screen time means less time to create strong family bonds. When one spouse spends more energy on their newsfeed than on their family, resentment can grow.
4. Gambling Through Social Media Apps
With online gambling now integrated into many social media platforms, we’ve seen greater financial devastation in families from Troy to White Lake. A hidden gambling habit causes distrust and resentment between spouses. Taking unnecessary risks with finances can significantly impact asset division. Our family court judges here in Oakland County often consider gambling losses when they divide marital assets.
5. Jealousy and Resentment
Constant comparison to seemingly “happier” couples online can deepen existing marital conflict. This is especially true in higher-income Oakland County communities, such as Bloomfield Hills, where financial envy may lead to more conflict between spouses.
6. Infidelity and Emotional Affairs
The ability to reconnect with old flames or flirt with new people has become easier through social media. These outside interactions may lead to both emotional and physical infidelity. Social media provides an outlet that many spouses misuse, often being the biggest factor contributing to divorce filings in Oakland County.
What Oakland County Spouses Should Know Before Filing for Divorce
Before you speak to a Michigan divorce attorney, consider how your online activity could be used against you. Social media posts, check-ins, tagged photos, and even comments on your posts may reveal more than you want them to. For that reason, the divorce attorneys at The Kronzek Firm often advise clients to refrain from posting on social media.
Here are some tips you should consider before initiating divorce proceedings:
- Inform friends and family: Ask them not to post or comment about you, your spouse, or the divorce.
- Update your privacy settings: Be aware that even private content can be disclosed through subpoenas, discovery requests, or mutual connections.
- Avoid emotional venting online: You should never post about your spouse or your divorce, even indirectly. Sharing posts from others about marital issues could be detrimental to your case.
If you live in places like West Bloomfield, Huntington Woods, or Farmington Hills, where communities are tightly connected, assume that anything you post could find its way back to your spouse, their divorce lawyer, or your judge.
During the Divorce Process: Proceed With Caution
Once your divorce is filed in Oakland County Family Court, your social media conduct matters, especially in custody disputes. Your online behavior can be used to question your parenting ability or lifestyle stability.
DO:
- Always follow your attorney’s advice about very cautious posting.
- Consider deactivating your accounts during litigation to prevent the temptation to post anything that could be harmful to your case.
- Work out agreements with your co-parent regarding making posts regarding your children on social media.
- Keep everything civil, especially where your children are watching and listening.
DON’T:
- Post pictures of yourself behaving inappropriately. (i.e., partying, using alcohol or drugs)
- Boast about new income or relationships.
- Badmouth your spouse, their friends, or their family.
- Use mutual friends to spy on your ex’s online activity (cyberstalking).
In cities like Northville or Madison Heights, where co-parenting across close communities is common, avoiding digital drama is key to protecting your children’s well-being.
After the Divorce is Final: Be Smart About Your Digital Footprint
Even after the judge signs your final judgment of divorce, your online activity can still have negative effects on your future. For example, posting about a new high-paying job in Livingston County may lead your ex to file a motion to modify spousal or child support.
While you may no longer need to walk on eggshells, it’s still wise to:
- Maintain respectful online behavior, especially if you share custody.
- Be mindful of how your posts reflect on you, your parenting style, or your financial status.
- Avoid triggering unnecessary litigation by not oversharing sensitive information.
Protect Your Divorce Case With Smart Social Media Habits
Oakland County judges are increasingly open to hearing arguments based on screenshots, photos, and posts, especially in child custody disputes. If you’re facing a divorce anywhere in Oakland County, whether in Wixom, Keego Harbor, or beyond, don’t let a careless social media post create unnecessary legal issues.
Your best defense is always to consult with a highly respected Michigan divorce lawyer who understands the law and the digital landscape of social media. At The Kronzek Firm, we help clients across Michigan navigate divorce with strategic guidance in today’s digital world. Our divorce lawyers have represented thousands of Michigan clients in lower Michigan for more than 30 years.
Need Help With a Divorce in Oakland County?
Contact The Kronzek Firm today. We represent clients in Rochester, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, and all other Oakland County communities. We also help with divorce and custody cases in Macomb County and Livingston County. Our team understands how to protect your rights, your family, your money and your reputation, both online and in the courtroom. Our strong track record since the last century speaks for itself.
📞Contact our Farmington Hills office today at (248) 479-6200 for consultation, and we are available 24/7 for crisis intervention.
[Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for personalized guidance.]