Beware of what you post on social media during divorce and child custody proceedings.
That may sound like a dire warning, but as reported by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 75% of family law attorneys are using social media evidence in divorce and child custody cases. That means if one or both parents fail to exercise restraint when posting on their Facebook page, Twitter feed, or any other online social media platforms, it could be used against them in a child custody matter. Just one wrong post can cause more trouble than it’s worth.
Social Media is Not the Problem
It’s not uncommon for a parent’s fitness to raise a child to be called into question during a custody dispute. Social media has added fuel to the fire for proving unfitness, but social media itself is not the problem.
It’s the behaviors and comments of the poster that can influence the court. Even seemingly innocent posts can be misinterpreted or misrepresented to paint a parent in an unflattering light. Long gone are the days of charts, letters, and documents being the sole source of evidence. Today’s courts also accept text messages, emails, and screen shots of social media content in child support and custody dispute hearings.
Family Court and Social Media
In many cases, the information obtained from social media accounts is not as inflammatory as one parent may think. But posts about spending habits, irresponsible behavior, and personal relationships can be used to call into question a parent’s character. California family law courts focus on what is best for a child. They look to establish whether the child is safe, and if a parent’s lifestyle is in any way negatively affecting the child’s well-being. Posts about excessive partying or illegal activity (such as drug use) will most certainly be taken seriously by the court. Even what friends post about the other parent could be used as evidence.
What Can I Use Against My Spouse?
It’s a good idea to check your spouse’s profiles during a child custody dispute. If you believe your spouse is posting things that could have a negative effect on – or be downright harmful to – your child, take a screen shot of the content and share it with your family law attorney. Don’t stalk your former partner on social media; monitor him or her without obsessing.
- Tweets or Facebook posts about a wild night out on the town when the parent is supposed to be home caring for your child.
- Posts that cast you and/or your parenting skills in a negative light.
- Posts that could be construed as harassment or threats.
- Posts about any litigation, the custody proceedings, or the judge.
Be Social Media Savvy Yourself
Many people have a false sense of anonymity when they’re surfing and posting on the net. But rest assured, if you’re checking out your former spouse on social media, they’re also looking at your accounts and printing out posts for their attorney. Be careful about what you post and take the time to think about whether it could come back to haunt or harm you. When in doubt, don’t post at all. It will help you avoid additional emotional turmoil during your child custody dispute.
