Use Social Networking Wisely During a Divorce
Many people enjoy social networking nowadays, but sharing too much information can hurt you if you are going through a divorce. More and more, judges are allowing information found on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and other social networking sites to be used as evidence in court cases, even if the user's privacy settings are set at the highest level. As a result, people who share too much may find that their online disclosures can work against them in their divorce and child custody cases.
Social Networking and Family Law Proceedings
During a divorce, posting certain information about your activities can affect whether you are able to receive support or alimony from your former spouse. For example, when a New York woman attempted to get lifetime support from her ex-husband, claiming that she was unable to work because of a car accident she suffered during the marriage, her online activity told a different tale. Her spousal support request was ultimately denied after her ex-husband's attorney found information that she posted online detailing the belly dancing classes that she had been taking.
Similarly, you may end up on the hook for spousal support if you claim to your ex that you cannot afford payments but post on social networking sites about the expensive new toys you bought for yourself or lavish vacations that you enjoyed.
Likewise, what you post online can affect your claims in a child custody case. Posting messages about behavior like excessive drinking or drug abuse can give an ex the ammunition needed in court to secure custody of your child. Also, in some cases, family law attorneys will get information from a child's social networking site that can be used in a custody case.
An Attorney Can Help
If you are going through a divorce, a knowledgeable family law lawyer can help you navigate your way through the process and advise you on the best ways to use social networking sites if you want to share information with your friends and family online. In addition, an experienced family law attorney may be able to find information online about your former spouse that may help bolster your divorce or child custody case.
