Social media has been known to cause a few divorces, but what many people may not realize is that it can also damage your case once you are already involved in the divorce process. A simple word of advice is to be careful with social media and to closely consider these five ways social media can hurt people in a divorce:
1. Social Media Can Affect how Much You Have to Pay in Support
Posting pictures of brand new cars and exotic vacations can be used as evidence that you are able to pay more to the other party in support and can really cost you a lot of money.
2. Social Media Can Affect A Custody Determination
If you are posting photos of yourself wasted, drunk or high, these can be used as evidence that you are not fit to provide a safe home for your child. This can affect both the custody determination and visitation decisions.
3. Social Media Messages Can be Used as Evidence
When you post something to Facebook or Twitter, it is out there for the entire world to see. However, even your private messages may be subpoenaed under certain circumstances and used as evidence in court. In general, it’s important to think of any activity related to social media as completely public and always talk to your lawyer before you send or post anything that could be used against you.
4. Social Media Can Uncover Hidden Assets
Forget trying to keep anything under the table if you are posting about it on social media. One picture is all it takes to uncover a hidden asset.
5. Social Media Can Turn Your Friends Against You
Even if you block your partner, he or she still may be able to access your social media via people that can still see your posts. Likewise, messaging a person you think you can trust may backfire. All it takes is one screenshot for them to turn against you.
If you are entering the divorce process, we urge you to be careful with social media. If you are in the Milwaukee area, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about obtaining legal representation.
