In the digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. Research suggests that seven in ten Americans use social media. Social media allows us to connect with friends, family, and strangers. However, many people do not know that social media’s influence can extend far beyond connecting with people. Social media can have significant repercussions, especially in family law cases. In family law cases, social media can either be a valuable tool or a detrimental force. Social media can impact the outcome of your family law case in unexpected ways.
How Can Social Media Impact Family Law Cases?
Social media has transformed how we connect and share our lives with people across the globe. Unfortunately, in family law cases, posts on your social media platforms can become evidence against you. Every status update, picture, video, or comment you share on your social media platforms can be used to support claims made by the other party. Even what might seem like an innocent post can be scrutinized and dissected, potentially affecting decisions related to property division, child custody, child support, alimony, etc.
Any evidence of misconduct on your social media platforms can affect your family law case. For example, if you post content that shows you using illicit drugs or excessively drinking, such pictures could show a lack of responsibility. In a divorce or child custody case, such photos may show that you are an unfit parent for your child. Threats directed at the other party can, for example, be used to show that it will be detrimental for your child to stay with you. A flirty exchange with someone can be used as proof of infidelity, which could impact alimony, child custody, and property division.
Sharing information about a lavish lifestyle could impact alimony, property division, or child support decisions. If, for example, you claim financial hardship and then you post pictures of yourself on a lavish vacation, those posts could undermine your claims of financial need. If your posts lead to the discovery of assets or income not disclosed during the proceedings, it could impact property division, alimony, or child support decisions.
In family law cases, social media posts can ruin your credibility. When you are credible, it means you can be trusted or believed. If, for instance, you post negative comments about the other party on your social media, it may reflect poorly on your credibility. Negative posts can be perceived as evidence of hostility or unwillingness to cooperate. In child custody cases, negative comments about the other parent can raise concerns about your ability to put your child’s best interests first. Negative comments posted on social media can undermine statements already made regarding your behavior or intentions.
Additionally, posting private information about the other party could impact the outcome of your case. The law protects people from unauthorized disclosure of certain information.
Contact a New Jersey Family Lawyer
Our New Jersey family attorney at the Trabosh Law Firm understands the complexities of family law cases in this digital age. We can provide you with expert guidance and representation throughout your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.