Will Facebook Impact My Divorce?

by Megan Sheppard

Social media has boomed since its takeoff with Myspace and it's rapid growth now through platforms like Facebook, Google+, and Twitter. The ability to stay in touch with friends and family through posts, pictures and shares is contagious. Here at Minick Law, P.C. in Gastonia, NC, our divorce lawyers use it frequently to stay in touch with our community of friends, business partners and, most especially, our clients. But here's the thing about social media: it's public. And though many people think that their posts, shares, and other types of information are privately protected by each platform, it's simply not the case. Most platforms, and any information contained therein, is public. If you are seeking or are in the middle of a divorce then yours and your spouse's social media activity matters.

With the growing use of social media, many people believe that the information they post is private and limited to the people that they share it with. Although this seems like a logical conclusion, in reality, the exact opposite is true. For the most part, everything you post or share is easily accessible with the right expertise and tools. Additionally, most Terms of Use on social media websites state that information shared on social media is not yours to own and is not considered private.

These "terms of use" and their public nature apply also to the divorce process. Many people turn to social media when they're going through divorce because it truly is an emotional and stressful process. So, they use social media to vent, to seek advice, and, often, to speak negatively about their spouse. This last one can carry with it serious consequences. Negative posts, explicit or incriminating images, and many other types of material are found, saved, and brought up in court. This kind of information can be detrimental to you in your divorce case.

Lawyers too search on social media for information that might be beneficial in a divorce. Your "friends," your posts, pictures, "check-ins" at certain locations, "likes," profile activity and page views-all these can be used as evidence in your defense or against you.

Social media can and does bring us together, yes. But it's important to remember that the information you post or share on there is public information. You should adopt the attitude that everything you post online could one day show back up in your life-especially in the courtroom. As a general rule, you should avoid posting negative things about anyone, especially spouses, because it could be used against you in your divorce, separation, alimony or child custody case.



Looking to find answers to your <a href='http://www.minicklaw.com/'>Divorce</a>, then visit www.minicklaw.com to find the best advice on <a href='http://www.minicklaw.com/gastonia-divorce-lawyer/'>Gastonia Divorce Law</a> for you.

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