It seems that actions and decisions which are innocent everyday ones can affect a divorce case. If you, a family member or friend are going through a divorce, child custody case, or any other type of family law case, posting information concerning your case through social media could possibly have negative impact on the outcome of your case.
In recent years, social media is increasingly becoming a staple in our day to day lives. It is hard to find an adult in the United States who does not have access to the internet or use social media platforms. Individuals under the age of 30 are using social media platforms at an almost 90 % clip. With this increased usage becoming a fundamental part of American life, it is easy to lose track of thoughts and opinions expressed on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Statements made and opinions broadcasted are public and are available for anyone who has access to these platforms, which seems to be almost everyone.. Stating personal opinions or commentary online is dangerous and can sometimes be harmful to a case.
Family Law attorneys now mine and use social media as trial evidence. Even with stringent privacy settings, your children or other family members could view a damaging Facebook rant or words written in the aftermath of an argument in an Instagram comment. Your spouse or the child’s or one of his or her friends could also see the post and alert your spouse or child’s parent. Posts indicating large purchases or extravagant spending could factor in a court’s determination of equitable distribution of property. Even photos you were tagged in from a work event involved alcohol usage could be used to characterize a parent in an unfavorable light as part of a child custody case. It’s important to be mindful of this aspect of your case and to take steps to manage these types of situations.
HOW TO MANAGE YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE
Here are a few basic tips that you may want to consider in order to protect yourself during a family law case:
Tighten your circle of trust to a few people who have proven to be trustworthy.
Change passwords to your smartphone, laptop, tablets, and social media and email accounts
Ensure that your privacy settings are highly secure and keep your accounts as private as possible; but bear in mind that there is no such thing as privacy on the Internet.
Consider limiting or even avoiding the use of social media until your case is over by freezing or temporarily shutting down your accounts.
Before posting something you might regret, it’s a good idea to pause and consider. Why am I sharing this post, change of status or comment? The reason may be to feed a need to voice your feelings about the situation you’re in or you just want to share what you are experiencing with loved ones. Although, this is a natural response, it is very important to realize social media may not be the best way to satisfy these human needs. There are other ways other than the use of social media
For example, writing for some can be a very therapeutic and cathartic experience. Consider keeping a diary or journal of your feelings and experiences while going through your family law case. This provides a low-risk way of processing your emotions and provides a chance to vent. Instead of typing up a hasty, flame-throwing post about your ex-spouse or the problems you’re facing in your court case, think about what you want to say. Keeping a hand-written record of thoughts and feelings gives you more time to process and think things through.
Another reason many of us feel compelled to share on Facebook or other social media platforms when we’re feeling stressed, down or angry is out of a need to connect and receive emotional support. Social media provides us with an efficient way to connect with others and receive support and encouragement. Unfortunately, once these postings are sent out into cyberspace there is no ability to control who sees what is written. A healthier way to satisfy this need is to reach out to your close friends and family members. Whether you confide in several people or just one well-trusted person , you can obtain support during a tough time without it having an impact on your family law case. In the final analysis, it is safer to ask a loved one for support than to publicize this need in an unfocused manner through cyberspace.
Finally, if you believe it is appropriate, consider going to a therapist to help you all of the changes and increased stress which has become of part of your life. It is important to acknowledge that one door in your life is closing and another one is about to open. The impact of these changes is occurring in many ways which can be obvious or subtle. Your mental health and emotion well-being is the most important thing to monitor and maintain during a family law case. This will permit you to move forward with your life in a healthy productive way when your case is finally over.
