Contesting a Divorce Case? Here are 5 Social Media Behaviors to Avoid
Over the years, social media has become a platform to express feelings, thoughts and share with ‘friends’. Many users love sharing every detail about their personal lives. However, people must refrain from sharing important personal info on their social media profiles, especially if they’re contesting a divorce case, as any detail they share can be used as evidence in court. Moreover, parties involved in a divorce case often keep track of each other’s activities on social media and can report any behavior that raise red flags on a number of aspects. The law firm is a team of qualified divorce attorneys in Dallas that provide comprehensive support to clients, including educating them on how to conduct themselves during the different stages of the case. This blog explains some social media behaviors that can have an adverse impact on your chances of securing a favorable result, whether with regards to child custody or other matters. Take a look.
1. Deleting Past Posts
Some divorce lawyers in Dallas advise clients to deactivate their account during divorce cases. Other Dallas divorce lawyers recommend changing your account settings to ensure only a select few are able to see your posts. Litigants, however, must not delete their previous posts as they can be used as evidence. Deleting or tampering with previous posts can be construed as an effort to destroy evidence and will weaken your case. That said, parties can only use public posts as evidence and can’t resort to illegal measures such as creating fake profiles to befriend the other party or hack their account to obtain information.
2. Posting Updates That Provide Clues About your Income and Hidden Assets
Parties in a divorce case closely monitor each other’s activities on social media and can use evidence such as pics or other updates about your lavish lifestyle or a new job to prove your financial soundness and justify demanding high alimony and support. Such posts can also be used as evidence to prove that you are trying to hide assets and can have grave financial implications.
3. Posting Pics or Updates That can Prove Adultery
Posting about a new flame or sharing their pics before the divorce is finalized is a strict no for individuals contesting divorce. Avoid creating a profiles on dating sites or casting yourself as being single (or without kids), while the divorce case is in progress. Such info can be used as evidence against you to prove adultery and can impact the distribution of assets and custody determination.
4. Sharing Posts or Pics That Depict Inappropriate Behavior
Posts or pics that depict inappropriate behavior such as alcoholism and drug abuse (especially when kids are around) can be detrimental when contesting for child custody, as it weakens your case. In worst cases, such posts can lead to the court ordering child welfare investigations, resulting in legal hassles. You must also avoid posting statements or updates that can be perceived as threats to your spouse.
5. Sharing Case Info on Social Media Sites
Parties in a divorce case must avoid sharing information about the case on social media. Avoid badmouthing your ex or the judge, as this can weaken your case. In many cases, judges explicitly direct parties not to discuss case details in public forums. Any failure to abide by this directive can be considered to be contempt of court. You must also avoid sharing any info that was disclosed to you in good trust.
Summing up
Posting inappropriate content on social media is a strict no for parties to a divorce case. You must remember that anything you post on your profile can be used evidence against you in court. It is also important to avail the services of a qualified and experienced divorce lawyer in Dallas to learn about appropriate social media behavior when the case is in progress. At 123 Divorce Company, we have a team of experienced divorce attorneys in Dallas who provide comprehensive client support at every step. To learn more about our services, fill out our contact form or call us at +214.599.9979.