Considering the Impact of Social Media on Divorce

Social Media is still a relatively new phenomenon, and depending on how often and how you use it in your life, it can impact your divorce and legal proceedings. What gets posted on the internet can never really go away, so it’s important to consider how what is posted on a Social Network can affect your divorce.

Texts and Messages can be used as Evidence

In a court of law, text messages can be used as evidence. Emails, pictures and texts can be used to prove or disprove a statement made in court about finances, abuse, or anything else that can affect your case. It is important to be careful about what you post, and to save anything that will help your case. Assume that a lawyer has gone through your Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn page before you say anything contrary to what you’ve posted.

Posting as a Parent

What you post or see posted on social media can be used in a custody case. If a parent posts about their wild drinking nights when they had responsibilities they were neglecting, that can be used against them. Posting pictures that suggest an unstable home life can result in having custody taken away.

Online Infidelity

Unfortunately it is easier than ever to be unfaithful through a social media app or website. This affects countless relationships, and also makes it easier for people within your friend circle to find out about the infidelity if one person posts about how upset they are about the cheating that has occurred. Proof of an affair shared via social media can also be used in court.

Miscommunication

There is always a possibility of miscommunication when speaking face to face, and even more so through text messages or status updates. Social Media can make things more complicated if the details of the divorce are discussed over the internet. It’s better to just talk about things in person if there is any nuance that needs to be discussed.

When considering the Impact of Social Media on Divorce, it’s important to think before you post. When in the process of getting divorced, social media can have an impact in court, and change the outcome based on what was posted online.

At Springer & Lyle, we know how Social Media will affect your divorce. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you through the process of your divorce.