Social media is a large part of many people’s daily lives. Parents and children alike use social media outlets to connect with friends, learn new things, and spark creativity. Although these apps and platforms can certainly be beneficial, they can also cause unintended damage, especially if you are going through a legal process.
Family law issues are already fairly delicate and require additional care and attention. Because of this, social media posts can have a significant effect on your family law claims. To combat this, it is important to follow certain rules and guidelines online when you are going through a legal case.
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Social Media and Divorce
Social media has a significant impact on the outcome of divorces, though many people are unaware of this. During a divorce, your spouse’s attorney can use any posts, pictures, or videos on your social media accounts against you in court. One major issue with this is that they may claim that you are hiding assets. This can significantly delay the divorce process and lead to further problems for you.
If you are going through a divorce, refrain from posting anything on social media that may suggest lavish indulgence. Do not post about vacations, fancy meals, or large purchases that you make. These may indicate that you have hidden assets that were not disclosed during the property division process, even if that is not the reality. These posts can be used against you by your spouse’s attorney.
Social Media and Child Custody
Social media platforms can easily affect your eligibility for child custody. During the child custody process, the court aims to assess whether you can provide a safe and stable home for your child. Simultaneously, your co-parent’s attorney may be trying to prove that you are not a suitable parent. That way, their client can receive more custody and potentially be eligible for child support payments from you.
Be especially careful with social media content that depicts drugs, alcohol, or partying. You may be engaging in these activities safely, legally, and consensually. Nevertheless, your co-parent’s attorney will do everything in their power to make you look bad. The court may side with your child’s other parent, even if your activities have no actual bearing on your parental fitness.
Social Media and Domestic Violence
Unfortunately, domestic violence is a pervasive issue in our society. In many cases, the law supports victims of domestic violence, but these cases are delicate. Domestic violence is a criminal offense, and aggressors can face serious charges beyond the protective order that the victim obtains.
If you are involved in a domestic violence case in any way, be especially careful on social media. Do not post any information about the case at all, as you could jeopardize the claim. If you are the victim, you need to do everything in your power to ensure that you are permanently safe from your abuser. Unfortunately, social media posts can put your case in danger.
Safe Social Media Use During a Family Law Claim
If you are going through a family law claim, the safest social media option is to deactivate or delete your accounts. This ensures that you do not make any inadvertent mistakes that may ruin your argument. However, deactivation or deletion is not possible for all people. Some people use social media for work, while others have years of memories stored on their profiles. Although it is certainly the most reliable method, you do not need to permanently delete your social media accounts if you are going through a family law claim.
Instead, do not post about your case at all. Ask your friends to refrain from posting photos of you or tagging you in posts. If you need to vent about your situation, do so in person with trusted loved ones, not online where anyone can see it. Even strict privacy settings cannot protect you.
FAQs
Q: Can I Talk About My Divorce on Social Media?
A: You should not talk about your divorce online or on social media. You may think you are doing so in a protected and controlled environment. In reality, the information may be available to a wide array of individuals, including your legal opposition. In most situations, your opposition will use any information available against you in court, especially if you post about your divorce. As an alternative, talk about your divorce in real life and only to trusted loved ones.
Q: Can My Kids Use Social Media During My Divorce?
A: It is common for children to have social media accounts. However, it is important for you to have a clear and honest discussion about their social media habits if you are going through a divorce. Tell them that posting about your divorce could make things more difficult for everyone. It may also jeopardize their forthcoming custody agreements. Monitor their social media use to make sure that they are adhering to your boundaries.
Q: Are My Social Media Posts Public During a Family Law Case?
A: You may have strict privacy settings in place on your social media accounts. Nevertheless, it is still possible for people to see things that you do not want them to see. Mutual friends may screenshot and share information, and complaints can get back to the wrong person. Despite your privacy settings, act as if your social media accounts are public during a family law claim.
Q: What If My Ex Complains About Me Online During a Divorce?
A: If your soon-to-be ex-spouse complains about or disparages you online, be sure to save the information and show it to your attorney. Your attorney may be able to bring the information to court and use it to your advantage. In all situations, do not respond or retaliate. The court will handle any consequences of your spouse’s poor decision.
Contact Stange Law Firm in Tulsa
Our firm has years of experience navigating a wide variety of family law issues. To begin a family law case, contact Stange Law Firm for a consultation.
