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Navigating Social Media During Your Separation

Wendy Norman — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:27:26 +0000

A Compassionate Guide to Manage Social Media During Separation

Going through a separation is one of life’s most challenging transitions. During this vulnerable time, you might find yourself reaching for your phone, wanting to share your feelings, seek support from friends, or simply distract yourself by scrolling through your feeds. I understand that impulse completely. Social media has become such an integral part of how we connect with our community and process our emotions.

However, as a divorce and mediation attorney who has worked with countless families in Jacksonville, I want to share some gentle but important guidance about social media use during your separation. What you post online today can significantly impact your divorce proceedings, custody arrangements, and ultimately, your fresh start tomorrow.

Why Social Media Matters in Divorce Cases

In today’s digital world, social media posts have become valuable evidence in divorce and custody proceedings. Attorneys routinely review Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and other platforms when building cases. That photo you posted, that check-in at a restaurant, or that seemingly innocent comment can be screenshot, saved, and potentially used in court.

I share this not to frighten you, but to help you protect yourself during an already difficult time. Knowledge is power, and understanding how social media can affect your case allows you to make informed decisions.

The Do’s: Healthy Social Media Habits During Separation

Do Take a Break (If Possible)

The healthiest option, if you can manage it, is to take a complete break from social media during your separation. I know this feels impossible in our connected world, but consider it a form of self-care. Stepping away from social media can give you space to heal, reduce stress, and eliminate the temptation to post something you might regret.

Even a temporary break of a few weeks or months can make a tremendous difference in your emotional wellbeing and legal position.

Do Adjust Your Privacy Settings

If stepping away completely isn’t realistic for you, immediately review and strengthen your privacy settings on all platforms. Make your accounts private, limit who can see your posts, and be selective about who you accept as friends or followers during this time.

However, please remember that privacy settings aren’t foolproof. Screenshots can be taken and shared. Mutual friends may have access to your content. Think of privacy settings as a helpful layer of protection, not an impenetrable shield.

Do Think Before You Post

Before sharing anything online, pause and ask yourself these questions:

Would I be comfortable with my spouse’s attorney seeing this?
Could this be misinterpreted or taken out of context?
Would I want a judge to see this when making decisions about my children or finances?
Am I posting this from a place of hurt, anger, or revenge?

If you hesitate on any of these questions, it’s best not to post.

Do Keep Communication About Your Children Positive

If you do post about your children, keep it positive, general, and infrequent. Celebrate their achievements if you must share, but avoid posting details about custody schedules, your co-parenting challenges, or anything that could be construed as disparaging the other parent.

Your children deserve privacy during this transition, and judges look favorably on parents who protect their children’s dignity and emotional wellbeing.

Do Document Concerning Posts by Your Spouse

If your spouse posts something concerning, threatening, or relevant to your case (such as evidence of hidden assets, substance use, or inappropriate behavior), take screenshots with dates and timestamps visible. Share these with your attorney, but don’t engage with the posts publicly or respond in kind.

Do Talk to Your Attorney First

Before making any significant social media decisions, including whether to change your relationship status or remove photos, consult with your attorney. Sometimes these actions can be misinterpreted or create legal complications you didn’t anticipate.

The Don’ts: What to Avoid on Social Media

Don’t Post About Your Case

This is perhaps the most important guideline: resist the urge to discuss your divorce, your spouse, the legal proceedings, or your feelings about the separation on social media. What feels like venting to supportive friends can appear very differently in a courtroom.

Complaints about your spouse, the legal process, attorneys, or the court system can damage your credibility and create the impression that you’re difficult, unstable, or vindictive.

Don’t Badmouth Your Spouse

No matter how hurt or angry you feel, do not post negative comments, accusations, or complaints about your spouse on social media. This includes indirect posts like “Some people just never change” or sharing memes about bad partners.

These posts can be used to argue that you’re hostile, that you’re attempting to alienate your children from the other parent, or that you’re not interested in peaceful co-parenting. In custody matters especially, judges want to see that you can communicate respectfully with your child’s other parent.

Don’t Share Details About New Relationships

If you’ve started dating someone new, keep that relationship entirely off social media until your divorce is finalized. Photos with a new partner, romantic check-ins, or relationship status changes can complicate property division, affect alimony considerations, and impact custody decisions.

Even if you’ve been separated for a while, the appearance of a new relationship can trigger strong emotional reactions that make settlement negotiations more difficult.

Don’t Post Photos or Updates That Contradict Your Legal Claims

Be mindful of how your posts might appear in the context of your legal case. If you’ve claimed financial hardship, vacation photos and expensive purchases create credibility problems. If you’re seeking custody based on being the more available parent, photos of frequent nights out may contradict that position.

This doesn’t mean you need to stop living your life, but it does mean you should keep those moments private rather than broadcasting them online.

Don’t Delete Everything

While it might be tempting to delete old posts, photos, or even entire accounts, don’t do this without consulting your attorney first. Deleting social media content after separation or during divorce proceedings can be considered destruction of evidence (called “spoliation”), which can result in serious legal consequences.

Courts can impose sanctions, and opposing counsel can argue that you deleted posts because they contained damaging information. Even if the deleted content was completely innocent, the act of deletion itself looks suspicious.

Don’t Forget About All Your Accounts

When I talk about social media, I mean all of it. Don’t forget about LinkedIn, dating apps, Venmo (which can show spending patterns and social connections), private messaging apps, Discord servers, Reddit accounts, and any other platforms where you have a digital presence.

Your digital footprint is larger than you might realize, and thorough attorneys will look everywhere.

Don’t Assume Anything Is Truly Private

Even private messages, closed groups, or direct messages aren’t completely private. Screenshots happen. People share information. Account security can be breached. Private communications have a way of becoming public, especially during contentious divorces.

Operate under the assumption that anything you type could potentially be seen by others, including the court.

Special Considerations for Parents

If you have children, social media requires extra care and thoughtfulness. Here are some additional guidelines:

Protect your children’s privacy. This is a confusing, difficult time for them. They don’t need details of the divorce shared with your entire social network. Avoid posting about custody schedules, exchanges, or challenges you’re having with your co-parent.

Never involve your children in social media conflicts. Don’t ask them to pose for photos that make statements about the divorce, don’t share their opinions about the other parent, and don’t let them see you posting negatively about their other parent.

Be aware that your children (and their friends) may see your posts. Even if you think your accounts are private from your kids, assume they’ll eventually see what you post. Would you want them to read those words about their other parent? Would those posts help them feel secure and loved?

Model healthy digital citizenship. Your children are watching how you handle this difficult situation. Showing restraint, dignity, and respect online teaches them valuable lessons about conflict resolution and emotional regulation.

The Emotional Challenge of Social Media Silence

I understand that staying silent on social media when you’re hurting can feel incredibly isolating. Social media has become how many of us process emotions, celebrate victories, and seek comfort during hard times. Being told to step back from that support system feels unfair when you’re already dealing with so much.

If you’re struggling with this, here are some alternative ways to find support:

Reach out privately. Call or text trusted friends and family members directly. Face-to-face coffee dates or phone conversations can provide much deeper support than Facebook comments ever could.

Join a support group. Many communities, including Jacksonville, have divorce support groups where you can share your experiences in a confidential setting with people who truly understand what you’re going through.

Work with a therapist. A counselor can provide a safe, confidential space to process all the emotions you’re experiencing without any risk to your legal case.

Journal privately. Writing out your feelings can provide the same release as posting online, without any of the legal risks. Keep a private journal where you can be completely honest about your emotions.

A Note About Your Spouse’s Social Media Activity

You might be wondering whether you should monitor your spouse’s social media during your separation. While it’s natural to be curious, obsessively checking your spouse’s accounts isn’t healthy for your emotional wellbeing.

That said, if you happen to notice posts that are relevant to your case (such as evidence of hidden income, inappropriate behavior, or concerning statements), document them and share them with your attorney. Just don’t make surveillance your full-time job. It will only prolong your pain and make it harder to move forward.

Looking Toward Your Fresh Start

I know these guidelines might feel restrictive during a time when you’re already dealing with so many limitations and losses. But please trust me when I tell you that this temporary restraint is an investment in your future.

The separation period is temporary. Your divorce case will eventually conclude. But what you post online can have lasting consequences for your settlement, your custody arrangement, your professional reputation, and your relationships with your children.

By being thoughtful and careful with your social media presence now, you’re protecting your interests and setting yourself up for the best possible outcome. You’re also modeling grace under pressure, taking the high road, and showing your children how to handle difficult situations with dignity.

How I Can Help

As a divorce and mediation attorney serving Jacksonville families, I understand how overwhelming this process can be. Social media is just one of many areas where you need to be careful during your separation. I’m here to guide you through all aspects of your divorce with compassion, clarity, and practical advice tailored to your unique situation.

If you have questions about your specific circumstances, whether they involve social media, custody, property division, or any other aspect of your separation, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can create a strategy that protects your interests while helping you move toward a brighter future.

Remember, this difficult season is temporary. With the right guidance and support, you will get through this and emerge stronger on the other side.

Wendy Norman is a divorce and mediation attorney serving Jacksonville, Florida, and surrounding areas. She is committed to helping families navigate separation and divorce with compassion, dignity, and practical legal guidance.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit normanlawjax.com or contact our office directly.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every divorce case is unique, and the information provided here may not apply to your specific situation. Please consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your individual circumstances.

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December Link Roundup – Divorcing Like A Grown-Up (And Co-Parent Like One, Too)

Wendy Norman — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 05:43:24 +0000

Divorcing Like a Grown-up

A recent Huffpost article discusses How To Divorce Like A Grown-Up (And Co-Parent Like One, Too). There is some good advice about amicable separation and tips along the divorce process that might make it a smoother transition for some couples. My favorite portion reiterates to parents to communicate to their children that the split isn’t their fault and to be sure neither parent uses them as leverage.

Surviving Divorce

In this TEDx Talk, clinical psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology David Sbarra discusses “Surviving Divorce.” He focuses on three areas and provides unique insight on coping with separation:

• Self-Kindness
• Mindfulness
• Common Humility

Tracking Your Child

The third link I wanted to share discusses Privacy Rights. Namely, GPS tracking to monitor children. As we’ve seen in all aspects of law, technology typically proceeds legal discussion and development. The article touches on the fact that a parent doesn’t need the consent of the child to monitor them via cell phone/GPS tracking software. Apps like Find My Friends allow you to keep track of your child, but he/she knows the app is on his/her phone.

I think we’ll see “informed consent” discussed in greater lengths as this topic proceeds through the court system (and likely will vary by state). It will be interesting to see how this plays into discussions of Parental Rights and Grandparent Rights moving forward. Read the full article here:
Privacy Rights of Children: GPS Tracking For Parents to Monitor Their Children

Happy Holidays From Norman Law

I’d be remiss if I didn’t take the time to thank the rest of my Family Law Team for their hard work and dedication to our practice and our clients. Thank you for all you do and for taking the time to provide our clients the best resources possible. Happy Holidays to our Jacksonville family and friends.

The post December Link Roundup – Divorcing Like A Grown-Up (And Co-Parent Like One, Too) first appeared on Divorce Attorney Jacksonville, FL.

How to File a Restraining Order in Duval County FL

Wendy Norman — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 18:12:54 +0000

How do I file for an Injunction for Protection (Restraining Order) in Duval County?

Filing for a restraining order (injunction for protection) in Duval County was designed to be a straightforward process that does not require the assistance of an attorney. Injunctions for protection, commonly referred to as restraining orders are legal devices that can ultimately involve jail to protect individuals who have been victims of violence or are fearful of becoming a victim. Injunctions are issued when the court agrees that the person seeking the injunction is a victim of violence or reasonably believes he/she is in imminent danger of becoming a victim of violence. The court then restrains the other party from coming into contact with the victim and/or coming near the victim.

Filing a Petition for Injuntion at the Courthouse

In order to gain access to these protections you must go down to the courthouse and file a Petition for Injunction. The paperwork for the petition is fairly straightforward and in most cases does not require the assistance of an attorney. Staff at the courthouse can assist with completing the Petition for Injunction. The process is relatively ease so that people who cannot afford to hire an attorney can still seek protection from violence. That said, many people seeking an injunction do hire a family law attorney to assist them, either with the hearing on the Petition for Injunction or for a divorce case that is also needed.
There are four types of injunctions/restraining orders in Florida, issued for: domestic violence; dating violence; sexual violence; and repeat violence.

You will need to select which of these applies to you and complete the petition that applies to your situation.

· A domestic violence petition is used when you and the respondent have been living together as a family, whether married or not, or lived together as a family in the past, and/or if you have a child or children together.

· A dating violence petition is for those who have been dating but have not lived together within the last 6 months.

· A sexual violence petition is used for those who have been a victim of sexual assault or abuse (you are not required to file criminal charges).

· A repeat violence petition is for any of the other types of stalking or violence between friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc. In order for it to be considered repeat violence, there must be at least two incidents within the last six months.

What’s Included in the Petition Requirements?

The petition requires information like petitioner (you), the respondent (the individual you want restrained), addresses, place of employment, children’s names (if applicable), and a description of the respondent so that police may find him or her. There will also be a paragraph detailing the reasons why you are seeking the petition. It must be detailed, contain the nature of the relationship between you and the individual, and the date or dates of the incident(s). You must be as detailed as possible when explaining the situation because a judge will review the petition and decide whether or not to enter a Temporary Injunction based on this information.

Temporary Restraining Order Injunctions

After reviewing the petition, the judge may or may not grant the petition and enter a Temporary Injunction. A Temporary Injunction is just that – a temporary court order that sets out what the type of contact the respondent may or may not have with the petitioner. If the petition is granted on a temporary basis, the judge will then issue a Temporary Injunction against the respondent that will be in place for 14 days.

The judge will then set a hearing 14 days from the date the judge signs the Temporary Injunction, so that a full hearing can take place and both parties can testify and present evidence. The respondent will be served with a copy of the petition, along with the Temporary Injunction. Once he or she is served, the terms and conditions of the Temporary Injunction are in place and he or she must comply with them. If, however, the respondent cannot be located and served prior to the hearing, the temporary injunction will be extended for another 14 days. It is important to remember that the Temporary Injunction is not enforceable until the respondent has been served with it by law enforcement. That is why it is important to put the correct contact information for the respondent in the petition so that he or she can be found and served. Filing a restraining order in Jacksonville, for example, where there is a large population can be problematic, as it is sometimes difficult for police to easily locate the individual.

If the respondent is served with the petition and Temporary Injunction, you will need to use the 14 day period to prepare for the hearing. At this point, you may wish to hire an attorney to represent you at the hearing. Your attorney will help you better understand what you will need for the hearing. It is generally better to have everything/everyone you might need: witnesses; video evidence; phone records; text messages; social media posts; and anything else that would be evidence of abuse and violence. Your attorney knows the procedures needed to collect and verify evidence that the court will require and can prepare you and your witnesses to testify. Evidence must be presented which supports the allegations in the petition for injunction. Usually, the court will not want to hear “new” evidence or evidence other than what is contained in the petition for injunction, which is why it is so important to include everything in petition.

In general, the injunction procedure is very straightforward and completing and filing the petition can be done without an attorney. While it is not necessary to work with an attorney to file a petition for injunction in Duval County, you should strongly consider having an attorney representing you at the hearing after the Temporary Injunction is issued by the court. The outcome of the hearing is extremely important and can have a significant effect on your safety and well-being, so if you do not feel confident on your own then by all means seek help. When your life and the lives of your family members are at stake there is no reason not to ask for help.

For more information on how to file for an injunction directly in Duval County, please visit http://www2.duvalclerk.com/departments/domestic-violence/ or call the injunction clerk at (904) 255-2210.

For this or any other family law related question, please call my office at 904.306.9926 to schedule an appointment or contact us online.

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