Should You Avoid Social Media During A Divorce

Yes—most divorce attorneys would strongly advise limiting or completely avoiding social media during a divorce in Tennessee.

Why it matters (especially in Tennessee)

  • Your posts can become evidence. Tennessee courts may admit social media content (posts, photos, messages) if it’s relevant and can be authenticated.
  • Nothing is truly private. Even “private” posts, deleted content, or tagged photos can still be accessed or recovered and used in court.
  • It can affect key outcomes. Judges may look at social media to evaluate:
    • parenting ability (custody decisions)
    • financial claims (spending vs. income)
    • credibility and behavior

Real risks people underestimate

Seemingly harmless posts can hurt your case, for example:

  • Posting vacations or purchases while claiming financial hardship
  • Complaining about your spouse or the case
  • Sharing new relationships or partying photos
  • Anything that could be spun as poor judgment or instability

Even a casual joke or comment can be taken out of context and used against you.

What lawyers typically recommend

  • Best practice: stay off social media entirely during the divorce
  • At minimum:
    • Don’t post about your divorce or spouse
    • Avoid sharing personal updates
    • Don’t discuss finances, dating, or lifestyle
    • Be cautious even with comments, likes, and tags

Many divorce lawyers explicitly suggest deactivating accounts temporarily to avoid accidental damage to your case.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to avoid social media, but it’s often the safest move. A single post can influence custody, property division, or credibility—so the risk usually outweighs the benefit.