With the popularity of smartphones on the rise, everyone seems to use some type of social media. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other platforms offer excellent opportunities for meeting new friends and staying in touch with old ones. While going through a custody dispute, what you post on social media may be problematic. 

If you regularly use social media, you may have difficulty giving it up altogether. Fortunately, you probably do not have to avoid posting during your custody battle. You should, however, think about what you post online and in other places. Here are four social media posts that may complicate your custody case: 

1. Your wild night on the town 

To determine custody, Illinois judges consider the best interests of the children. If your social media profile makes you look like a party animal, your former partner may argue that you are an unfit parent. 

2. Your dating profile 

There is nothing wrong with moving on after a divorce or separation. You must be careful with your dating profile, though. Sending racy photographs and looking for quick encounters may paint you in a bad light. As such, you should always assume private conversations may become part of your custody case. 

3. Your spending habits 

While you do not mind paying your fair share to raise your kids, you probably do not want to pay more in child support than you can afford. If you post proof of lavish spending on your social media accounts, a judge may order you to pay more child support.   

4. Your beef with your ex 

You may not get along with your children’s other parent. Still, venting your frustrations on social media may be a bad idea. Put simply, you should plan for your ex to use anything you say on popular platforms against you in your custody case. Also, threatening your former partner or his or her new love interest on social media may earn you a restraining order or criminal charges. 

With some restraint, you can probably manage your social media presence without harming your chances of securing a good custody agreement. By understanding which posts to avoid, you can better protect your legal, personal and financial interests.