Researchers are now studying the effect social media has on our lives, including romantic partnerships. Researchers from Northcentral University suggest that social media can distract married couples and prevent spouses from adequately nurturing their interpersonal relationship. Social media can also contribute to couples being envious of other couples because they compare their relationship to what they see other people claiming they are doing online.
While social media can have a negative impact on marriage, it can have an equally destructive impact during divorce, child custody and visitation proceedings. In fact, it’s been suggested that people going through divorce proceedings would be better off logging off social media until the dust has settled. Ultimately, posting on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and other sites is likely to cause more harm than good.
Messages are admissible in court
Posted messages on all social networks are admissible in court. This extends beyond tweets and Facebook posts. The things you email or text message may come up in court if they run contrary to what you stated. For example, a spouse may casually mention over email about getting a raise at work. This statement may be used in court to show that there is a discrepancy in reported income. This may allow attorneys an opportunity to further look into a person’s finances. Even casual comments may lead to negative consequences.
This information also applies to child custody and visitation matters. If a spouse posts photos of going out drinking all the time, then the other spouse may use these photos as evidence that this person is unfit to look after the children.
Friends can post detrimental information
Many times, litigants are careful not to post anything too incriminating on social media. However, friends can post photos of a spouse or significant other going out partying. Friends can also inadvertently post information about finances. Someone with a menial job may appear to suddenly have a lot of money at his or her disposal based on their online activity. This could be evidence that the spouse is hiding assets. To help keep yourself protected, you should monitor friends’ and family members’ postings about you while the divorce or family court proceedings are in progress.
To learn more about the impact social media can have on divorce and family law matters, we invite you to contact an experienced matrimonial and family law lawyer to help make sure you take the right steps to live happily ever after.
