Q: Can social media posts impact your family law case?
A: Going through a family law action can be an extremely emotional experience, and it is easy to neglect your decision-making skills when you're feeling so overwhelmed. But it is extremely important to be careful when it comes to anything you post on social media. While social media can be a fun way to share your life with friends or followers it should not serve as an outlet for discussing what's going in family law proceedings.
Anything you post on social media, whether it's on Facebook, Twitter, or even Snapchat, can be used against you in court. Even if you delete the posts later, there is always the possibility that someone has taken a screen shot or saved the information somehow. And once it's out there, you can't control how it's used.
So what does this mean for you? If you are currently going through a family law proceeding, it is best to avoid social media altogether. If you absolutely must use social media, be extremely careful about what you post. Avoid posting anything that could be used against you in court, and remember once again that once something is out there, you cannot take it back.
Below are a few things that you should not discuss over social media under any circumstances:
Do not discuss your family law case or anything to do with your case.
Maybe you're feeling emotionally overwhelmed, or maybe the pressure of your situation has been weighing on you. Either way it's important to be mindful about what you post because whatever you say on social media can have lasting effects and could easily come back at you in a negative way - no matter how nicely worded or clear-minded your original intention was when you made the post.
Do not make threats, use profanity, or badmouth the other party.
Do not post anything negative about your spouse or ex-spouse. If you are feeling hurt, angry, or vengeful towards your spouse it is best to avoid social media altogether until those feelings have passed. Harassing or abusive language could get you in trouble with law. Making threats or negative statements about them during court proceedings can result with a harassment injunction filed against you by their lawyer!
Do not post about side jobs or other additional income.
When fighting for custody of your children in a divorce proceeding, it is important that you do not post anything on social media which might sway the opinion of judges and juries. The courts will impute an income to you if they believe that there is enough money in your account. They may also ask for proof of this " alternative" source, which could lead them getting suspicious and tax implications involved!
Do not post pictures of partying, drug use, or any other objectional content.
The consequences of posting pictures on social media sites such as TikTok, Instagram or Snapchat showing you partying, doing drugs can have a significant impact during family court proceedings. For example if your children’s placement agency comes across these posts and concludes that you are not a fit parents then it may result in lost time with your children which could ultimately lead to legal implications against you - including losing custody completely!
When you are going through a legal proceeding, it may be best to take some time away from social media. The consequences of one negative or questionably post can ultimately outweigh any gratification gained from posting.
This is especially important on Facebook or other social media platforms where we reveal our personal business interests because these posts can give away valuable information about how much salary or profits someone has worked with during their lifetime - something nobody wants revealed publicly without permission first; especially when dealing court-related matters like child support payments etc.
If you have any questions about how social media can impact your family law case, please contact the Sarasota Family Law Attornies at Flaherty Law Firm. Our experienced family law attorneys will work with you and your family each step of the way to help you resolve issues regarding child custody, child support, spousal support, property division, pre- and post-martial agreements, and more. Call us today at (941) 706-2860 or fill out our online contact form to request a free and private consultation..
This information is general in nature and should not be considered legal advice. Each situation is different, and you should consult with an experienced family law attorney to get specific advice for your situation.