How Social Media Is Affecting Divorce, Child Custody, and Other Family Law Issues
While most of us have become reliant on modern technology, cell phones, and all the conveniences that come with them—texting, social media, etc.—it is important to note that there is another side to using social media, especially if you are considering obtaining or are already involved in a divorce. More specifically, emails, text messages, posts, blogs, etc. can all be used as evidence against you and/or others in divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and other family law cases, necessitating caution about how and what you communicate about your personal life.
Indeed, text messages and emails can not only be subpoenaed in court, but if they address a particular fact that was denied or undisclosed, they can be used against a party to argue that they are not necessarily being forthright. One hint that is sometimes provided to individuals going through family law proceedings is that if you wouldn’t want a judge to read about it, do not post or share it.
Be Diligent, but Be Wary Of Deleting Everything
Even information that isn’t necessarily a direct statement about one’s earnings, for example, can be used against them: for example, if someone tries to claim that they do not make enough money to pay child or spousal support, but posts pictures of themselves taking lavish vacations, this can also be used against them (and their case) in court. And remember, even if you yourself do not directly share this information, if your friends are posting information about you on their pages, it is still possible for others to obtain that information. This includes posting incriminating pictures that could negatively impact obtaining full or partial custody.
In addition, what might surprise many is just how unwise it is to get involved with dating websites if you are still undergoing family law proceedings such as divorce and/or child custody. These websites often elicit information from people in order to create personal profiles, but this information doesn’t necessarily include details you’d want revealed in court.
However, if you already have a social media account, deleting the entire account and trying to erase all information about yourself online may not be the right way to handle it. In fact, if you are involved in litigation, any information that was already in existence is considered to be evidence, and trying to hide it could actually be detrimental; but this doesn’t mean you can’t tone down your account and be diligent about what, exactly, is posted about your life.
Fort Lauderdale Family Law Attorney
If you are in need of legal assistance in any family law issue, it is best that you speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible in an effort to best protect your rights and the rights of your loved ones. This includes ensuring that you do not engage in any behavior that could, at a later time, be used against you.
At the law office of Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A., we work hard to provide compassionate, caring, but also tenacious and aggressive representation for our clients. Contact us today in Fort Lauderdale and let us help you get started in moving on.
