Ever since MySpace and Facebook launched on the Internet, an ever growing amount of the population has turned to social media to share everything from pictures to status updates. Even here at Minick Law, P.C. in Gastonia, NC, we use a variety of social media websites and applications to connect with prospective, current, and past clients. However, with this rampant use of social media, how much sharing is too much? Specifically, how can social media affect my divorce?
Because social media has grown so quickly and spread to so many, people often believe that their information is, in some way, kept private or only available for public use in a limited way. This is not the case. As a general rule, everything you post or share is easily accessible with the right expertise and tools. Furthermore, most Terms of Use on social media platforms state that information shared on those platforms (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Linkedin, Snapchat, etc.) is not yours to own and is not considered private.
These same privacy problems found in social media apply to divorce proceedings. Divorce is a highly stressful and, often, emotionally unstable time which can lead to statements-through pictures, posts, or shares-being made without appropriate consideration of their consequences. Most of the time people take their stress or anger to social media platforms and post negative messages about their spouse. Unfortunately, this information is not private and can be found, saved, and later brought up in court. This evidence is especially harmful to you in separation agreements and child custody cases.
Lawyers too search on social media for information that might be beneficial in a divorce. Your "friends," your posts, pictures, "check-ins" at certain locations, "likes," profile activity and page views-all these can be used as evidence in your defense or against you.
Social media can and does bring us together, yes. But it's important to remember that the information you post or share on there is public information. You should adopt the attitude that everything you post online could one day show back up in your life-especially in the courtroom. As a general rule, you should avoid posting negative things about anyone, especially spouses, because it could be used against you in your divorce, separation, alimony or child custody case.
Because social media has grown so quickly and spread to so many, people often believe that their information is, in some way, kept private or only available for public use in a limited way. This is not the case. As a general rule, everything you post or share is easily accessible with the right expertise and tools. Furthermore, most Terms of Use on social media platforms state that information shared on those platforms (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Linkedin, Snapchat, etc.) is not yours to own and is not considered private.
These same privacy problems found in social media apply to divorce proceedings. Divorce is a highly stressful and, often, emotionally unstable time which can lead to statements-through pictures, posts, or shares-being made without appropriate consideration of their consequences. Most of the time people take their stress or anger to social media platforms and post negative messages about their spouse. Unfortunately, this information is not private and can be found, saved, and later brought up in court. This evidence is especially harmful to you in separation agreements and child custody cases.
Lawyers too search on social media for information that might be beneficial in a divorce. Your "friends," your posts, pictures, "check-ins" at certain locations, "likes," profile activity and page views-all these can be used as evidence in your defense or against you.
Social media can and does bring us together, yes. But it's important to remember that the information you post or share on there is public information. You should adopt the attitude that everything you post online could one day show back up in your life-especially in the courtroom. As a general rule, you should avoid posting negative things about anyone, especially spouses, because it could be used against you in your divorce, separation, alimony or child custody case.
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