The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers has some sound advice for those going through or contemplating divorce: Stay off Facebook!

“As everyone continues to share more and more aspects of their lives on social networking sites, they leave themselves open to much greater examinations of both their public and private lives in these sensitive situations,” said Marlene Eskind Moses, president of the AAML, in a statement.

“Going through a divorce always results in heightened levels of personal scrutiny,” Moses added. An estranged spouse will likely be one of the first people to spot online activities that indicate, say, an extramarital affair.

For example, it is ridiculous to claim indigency when there are photographs of a recent Mediterranean cruise.  In a custody dispute, photographs or tales of alcohol or drug abuse will be difficult to explain.

Even if the items don’t rise to the level of admissible evidence, status updates about how well one is adjusting to single life or discussing plans with a new romantic interest might inflame the ex’s jealousy, making the case much more difficult to settle.

One must assume that whatever is posted will be discovered by the ex and read by the judge.  The best advice is to err on the side of caution and keep one’s personal life private until the divorce is final.