Divorce in the world of
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.

Communication is now instantaneous. You can reach 10,000 people in the one minute it takes to type in 180 characters and press a send button. In a simpler time. it was time consuming to write a letter, address an envelope, put a stamp on it,, and mail it -- plus -- unless you mailed that letter to a newspaper, you surely did not have an audience of 10,000 people. If you are in the middle of a divorce, when relations are already strained, the 60 seconds it takes you to make a Facebook post or a tweet in anger can come back to haunt you, or maybe even destroy your argument during a hearing or trial.

Ask any Tennessee divorce attorney. You'll hear many stories how divorce cases now involve social media statements used as evidence. The American Association of Matrimonial Lawyers says that social media evidence plays a role in 81 percent of divorce cases. Here are some 'words to the wise' rules to follow when using social media after a separation that will likely lead to a divorce.

Write as if a judge will see everything you say

Check your privacy settings. Who can view what you write? Do you trust them 100%? On Facebook, what you post may be open for all internet users to view. You may unfriend a spouse after you separate, but if you have friends in common, comments and pictures may still be visible to your spouse.

Cellphones have replaced snapshot cameras, and you can share the pictures immediately on Twitter and Facebook. When your pictures are tagged or retweeted, things you certainly did not intend can wind up appearing 180 degrees different from your original intention. Any photo from even the most innocent party scene might damage your case for child custody.

Chill out time

Divorce is an emotional roller coaster, it is normal to feel slighted, jilted, and hurt. If you need to vent, need some catharsis, keep a private diary with pen and paper, or write documents to save on your computer. Let off steam in private. You are very likely to do more harm to yourself than any good you feel from the additional support of others when you post on social media.

Sometimes, it's simply better to stay away from all your social media accounts until you have finalized a divorce agreement. While some may wonder if you've fallen off the face of the earth, you can communicate with closer friends and family in person or in strictly verbal form with a phone call.

If you fear you are at a juncture where divorce is a distinct possibility, contact a divorce attorney for more advice on the process, and what pratfalls you should prepare to avoid. The counsel of an experienced lawyer can ensure your rights are protected.

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Further reading if you are in Memphis and contemplating a family law matter.