Going through a divorce can be one of the most emotionally traumatic experiences you will ever have to endure. The support of family and friends is invaluable during these times, particularly when you just need to “vent.” The advent of social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, has provided people with a forum to share their thoughts 24/7.
If you are in the middle of a divorce, it is important to understand the impact that using social media sites can have on the outcome of your case. At Lasiter & Jackson, we represent clients throughout the Phoenix area in all aspects of divorce. We counsel our clients on the best approach to achieving the results they want, including helping them understand what types of behavior to avoid during the divorce.
It is common practice for divorce lawyers to monitor opposing spouses’ social media pages throughout the proceeding. They look for information they can use to strengthen their clients’ cases, and often find it. Even if you have your privacy settings set up so that only authorized people can see your pages, the information can still be subpoenaed by your spouse’s attorney.
The bottom line is this: nothing online is completely private. If you post it somewhere, the other side has a way to get it. If you have something to get off your chest about your spouse or the divorce, pick up the phone. Do not put it online. In addition, avoid posting pictures of yourself at parties, on luxury vacations or standing next to your brand new car. Even these can be used against you in different portions of the divorce proceeding.
If you have questions about divorce and social networking, contact our office today to speak with a lawyer.
