Social Media Could Impact Your Divorce

 Posted on February 08, 2017 in Divorce

According to recent estimates, approximately 1.86 billion people around the world use Facebook regularly. The use of Facebook and other forms of social media to express one’s daily thoughts and opinions has become a popular aspect of modern culture in today’s society. For those who are going through a divorce, however, social media use can create some unique challenges. While posting updates or pictures may seem innocent, almost any personal detail uploaded to a social network has the potential to be exploited by a former partner for his or her own advantage.

Courts Review Social Media Activity

During a divorce, all aspects of a couple’s life are subject to scrutiny by the court. Information posted on Facebook and other social sites, whether it be posted by an individual involved in a divorce or a third party, can often be cast in a negative light during divorce proceedings.

Damage Can be Caused by Third Party Social Media Updates

Divorcing couples need to understand that the potential damage caused by sites like Facebook extends far beyond photos and messages that they themselves are posting. Family members, friends, or even complete strangers can post information online that may drastically impact divorce proceedings. For example, an innocent photo of one spouse at a bar with a drink in his or her hand can lead to the suggestion by the opposing side that said spouse has alcohol problems and should have access to his or her children limited.

Social Media Can be Used to Your Advantage

A skilled divorce attorney should fully understand basic social media concepts and should be able to advise clients on how to manage online social networks effectively. For example, a savvy attorney will understand the difference between Electronically Stored Information (ESI) and traditional paper documentation and that there are different laws regarding how ESI is preserved.

A knowledgeable attorney will not only advise his or her client on how to properly utilize Facebook and other social sites, but he or she will also guide the client regarding using social media to the client’s best advantage. Facebook is often a source of information that can also be used to support a variety of claims. Online posts can identify instances where marital property is misused, can provide evidence for alleged affairs, or can determine whether parents are suitable guardians for their children during allocation of parental responsibility hearings.

Social media is a powerful tool that can be incredibly helpful or a potential liability. To learn more about how social media should be managed during your separation or divorce proceedings, contact an experienced Rolling Meadows divorce attorney. Call 847-253-3100 for a free consultation at Cosley Law Office today.

Sources:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jefflanders/2013/08/20/how-social-media-can-affect-your-divorce/

http://www.dmagazine.com/sponsored/2017/02/in-divorce-privacy-is-sometimes-just-an-illusion/