Divorce is stressful for just about anyone going through it, but for those in the public eye, it can be that much more difficult. You depend on maintaining a positive image to continue generating income, whether you’re a social media influencer or a high-profile local authority.
When everything you do is subject to scrutiny and public awareness, a divorce can invite a lot of criticism and damage your personal brand. In many cases, divorce proceedings become part of the public record, which means that the testimony you and your ex give during the divorce could wind up in the hands of a tabloid journalist or someone who is interested and damaging your reputation.
Are there ways for you to keep your divorce more private?
In some cases, you can ask the courts to seal some or all of your records
For some couples, there is no choice but to let the courts weigh in on major issues in the divorce. That could mean that everything you testify or give evidence about will become public knowledge eventually. The potential exists for personal and professional embarrassment, as well as emotional damage to your children in some cases.
It is sometimes possible for you to file a motion with the courts to have certain aspects of your divorce sealed for your protection or the privacy and well-being of your children. Sealing your record or part of it will protect your privacy in most circumstances involving public inquiries into the proceedings. However, your spouse may not agree to such a request, which could greatly complicate your divorce.
Mediation could help you keep the most embarrassing details private
For couples who believe they could reach a compromise on their own, bypassing litigated divorce can be one way to keep things more private at the end of the marriage. Filing an uncontested divorce where you’ve already agreed to your own terms can mean a faster and more private dissolution for both of you.
If you can reach an agreement on the division of your assets and parental responsibilities, if you share children, through the help of a mediator, you can have all the necessary discussions about the end of your marriage without the exact details becoming public knowledge and public records.
