Social media sites, such as
Facebook, have become a tool we rely on daily for communication and
entertainment. While social media has many benefits, it also poses a unique
challenge when it comes to divorce and child custody issues. It is very
important that whomever is going through these types of proceedings is aware
that their own words posted on the Internet can be used against them in court.
The end of a marriage is an
emotionally charged event, motivating some to vent on social media about their
former spouse. However, you may want to think twice before you hit
"post," because you may have to end up explaining yourself in court.
Despite social media privacy settings, it is possible for information that you
only intended for a secure group of people to be accessed by others not
intended. For that reason, one should be cautious about how pictures and
content could be misinterpreted or perceived.
Parties involved in a divorce look
to their former spouse's social media accounts for information that can be used
against them. The following are social media tips while going through a
divorce:
•Posting false comments online could
land you in hot water for libel.
•Resist the urge to
"check-in" places. While it may seem harmless at the time, check-ins
at the local bar could affect a child custody hearing or a spouse's accusation
that there is a problem with alcohol. If you're involved in an especially
contentious divorce, or are being threatened with violence, you shouldn't
advertise your whereabouts on the Internet.
•Be sure to change your social media
passwords.
•Do not post any videos or photos
you wouldn't want a judge or your former spouse's attorney seeing.
•Avoid posting derogatory statements
or photos of your former spouse. If it were to result in the loss of
employment, you could be left paying the bigger price in the end.
•Review what your friends post about
you. Ask anyone to remove any damaging photos of you that are posted.
•Posting content about "work
being super busy" will cause major damage if you are claiming that you
have no income.
•Additionally, posts about major
purchases, expensive dinners, and vacations won't help if you support your
claim for spousal support or additional child support.
•Deleting your social media account
is a logical option if you are worried that you won't be able to resist posting
certain information online. Beware, just because your account has been deleted
it doesn't mean that past content can't be retrieved.
For more in depth information
pertaining to your specific case, contact Illinois Divorce Attorney Vincent
Ruggiero at 630-654-0044 for assistance with your divorce matters in DuPage,
Will, Kane, and Cook Counties.
