Social media is a big part of our lives these days, yet there may be red flags that mean a spouse is more than checking in with friends or distracting themselves from day-to-day worries. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter and various dating apps like “tinder” and “Match.com” play a role in many divorces because they give one or both partners the means to compare their life to highlight reels that others post. This can sometimes foster resentment or even fuel infidelity.
Behavioral patterns that could indicate trouble
Common digital clues that could mean trouble include:
- They are on a dating app: A polished profile on Tinder or OkCupid is irrefutably damning evidence.
- Always on their phone: No matter where they are, their attention seems to always be on their device.
- New online shopping habits: A partner who feels guilty may buy their spouse gifts or atypical ones for themselves. Conversely, they may reduce the number of purchases or avoid large purchases altogether. An unthinking spouse may even buy gifts for a paramour that appear on credit card statements, which should also be inspected for unexplained hotel bills, and restaurant, and entertainment expenses from which the other spouse gained no benefit and of which the other spouse had no knowledge.
- Always on social media: Aside from using dating apps, the partner could also use Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to message others secretly.
- Browser history: A cleared browser history may hide damaging evidence, although they may not even take the precaution of erasing their history.
Figuring out the next step
The end of a marriage can be disheartening. If counseling or a change in behavior does not offer solutions, an experienced Board-Certified Family Law expert attorney who works in Collin County, Dallas County, Denton County, or elsewhere in Texas, can assist in the process of filing for divorce and resolving a wide array of issues involving support and dividing assets.