Social media has changed the way we interact with one another. From communicating with loved ones to sharing pictures of outings and vacations, we use platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to make our lives public for all to see.
However, married people’s activities on these sites can have a negative impact on their lives. The connectivity of social media enables married individuals to either cheat on their partners or snoop on them, causing anger and jealousy that can lead to divorce. Oversharing on these sites can create potentially admissible evidence that can be used during the divorce proceeding.
The following are several examples of evidence that attorneys can obtain from social media and use in a divorce case:
- Posts of yourself partying – If you are involved in a heated child custody dispute, the decision of who gets physical custody and how often the noncustodial parent has time with the children is based on the best interest of the child. The court will often look at evidence of each spouse’s parenting skills. If a parent is seen partying when he/she is supposed to watch the child, it can make the decision to award custody much easier for a judge.
- Posts of expensive purchases or travel which indicate a wealthy lifestyle – Alimony and child support are hotly contested issues due to the amount of money that is on the line. Posting pictures and videos of lavish purchases and luxury vacations can suggest your income is higher than you reported, which can harm your chances of getting more child or spousal support and make it appear that your financial disclosures are fraudulent.
- Posts of a new partner – It is not uncommon for couples going through a divorce to enter the dating world again. But if you post on social media about your new romance and how happy you are, you can be sure that your soon-to-be-ex-spouse will not be happy about it. This can result in an extended litigation process, which can cost you more money in court costs and attorney fees.
- Posts berating your spouse – People often express how they feel through social media—whether it’s good or bad. Posting negative comments about the other party will surely lead to more conflict and a long litigation process.
- Tags – If you are supposed to have custody of your child and your friends check you into a restaurant or bar, the other parent can use this to document your lack of fitness for parenting.
When going through a divorce, it is important to remain inactive on all social media accounts. Keep your opinions, photos and even likes to yourself. Wait until the divorce is finalized to update everyone on your life.
If you are interested in filing for divorce in Missouri, contact Kallen Law Firm, LLC and request a free consultation with our St. Louis divorce lawyer today.
