Going through a divorce is a difficult and painful process. In this digital world, a social media post that seems harmless can turn out to be an unassuming tool that changes the outcome of your case.
This article talks about how social media can affect divorce processes and gives you advice on how to stay safe online during this tough time. Turco Legal can help you protect your rights as you navigate your way through the complicated divorce law.
Your posts can become evidence.
Social media sites let people see into our lives. In court, videos, images, and even comments that seem unimportant can be used as proof.
For example, a spouse claiming that they are struggling with money while on holiday in exotic locations on social media weakens their case. In the same way, posts showing dangerous behavior could affect choices about child custody.
The following are some ways the content from social media can be used in court:
- Financial disclosure: Expensive purchases, expensive trips, or signs of secret income can affect how property is divided and who pays child support.
- Parenting habits: Posts that show parents not caring for their kids, going to parties too much, or using drugs could hurt child custody arrangements.
- Infidelity: Using social media to talk to someone other than your husband can be used as proof that you are cheating on your partner, even if there is no real proof of a connection.
- Character and credibility: Posts that show you are angry, violent, or unable to control yourself can hurt your credibility in court.
Remember that law enforcement or forensic experts can get back information that you think you removed.
How to protect yourself online during a divorce.
Going through a split-up? To make it less likely that social media will negatively impact your case, here are some things you can do:
1. Changes to privacy.
Check all of your private settings on social media and make them stricter. You can control who can see your posts and your personal details.
2. Take a break.
You might want to take a short break from all social media for a while. This keeps you focused on the court case and keeps you from posting without thinking.
3. Think about what you share.
Do not post anything that could be taken the wrong way or used against you in court. This includes talking badly about your partner, giving out private details about your kids, or sharing pictures from your nights out.
4. Watch out for friend requests.
Do not accept friend requests from people you do not know. Watch out for people who might have ties to your lawyer or husband.
5. Keep track of everything.
Take screenshots and write down what your partner says to you if they are bothering you online. This proof could be useful in court.
6. Talk to your lawyer about it.
Talk to your lawyer about how you use social media. They can tell you exactly how to stay safe online and avoid making mistakes that could hurt your case.
How child custody cases may be impacted.
Posts on social media that show reckless behavior, drug use, or violence can have a big effect on child custody cases because they hurt parents’ rights.
Kids should be involved in choosing whether to share pictures on social media, be careful about tagging them in posts, have an adult watch what they are doing, and teach them about internet safety.
It is important to keep a good online reputation, keep an eye on what they are doing, and teach them why privacy is important and what could happen if they share personal information online.
The future of social media and divorce.
As social media becomes more important in divorce cases, people need to stay aware of and follow best practices for online safety. Taking proactive steps can lessen the bad effects and save a lot of worry.
