Social Media in Divorces and Modifications: Dos and Don'ts
How Social Media is Used in Divorces and Modifications
In Texas divorces and modifications, social media comes up frequently. As your family lawyer is working to negotiate and litigate the claims in your petitions, the evidence is necessary to prove those allegations may come from social media. In one example, time-stamped direct messages can be used to prove what was said between people. In another example, pictures and videos can be introduced as evidence regarding parenting and character.
What is most current and relevant may be more persuasive than something from many years ago. Common sense applies and can talk to the attorney representing you in your divorce or modification case. Here at the Barrows Firm, Southlake Divorce Lawyer, Leslie Barrows, and her team are used to high-stakes cases where social media becomes involved. When you call and have a consultation with attorney Barrows you can talk to her about your concerns about social media in divorces and modifications.
Call Attorney Leslie Barrows at the Barrows Firm in Southlake at (817) 481-1583.
Only Positive Status Updates
Avoid making social media posts about your divorce or modification case. Also, do not post any information about yourself that could be used in your case. Especially when child custody is disputed, you should be cautious on social media in divorces and modification cases.
Drawing attention to our business can seem harmless but it can get overwhelming. During divorces and modifications, you should do whatever is possible to reduce anxiety and stay focused and centered on making good decisions. Especially when your children are involved, keeping a positive attitude and keeping your head held high is important.
Don’t Assume Everything is Private – Safety First
With many social media and communication networks, you should never assume anything you say is ultimately secured. For example, you may be on private group pages your spouse or ex is not a member of, but others who might know them and share your content.
It is a good idea to assume at least someone on your social media is not who they say they are. We frequently hear about people claiming their pages were hacked, and don’t accept a new request from them. The person behind a fake page could be anyone, so don’t say anything on social media you don’t want your judge, lawyer, and opposing counsel to see all your social media posts in divorces and modifications.
Family violence victims should be particularly careful with social media, to avoid letting the other know where you are. Something as simple as being tagged in another picture could tip someone off as to your whereabouts. If you can, adjust all your settings so you must first approve something like a photo tag.
See this important article: How to Avoid Being Stalked on Social Media.
Being Humble and Maintaining the Status Quo on Social Media in Divorces and Modifications
Oversharing can hurt you. Pictures of vacations, new purchases, and social gatherings with certain people can cause unnecessary conflict and drama that could affect your divorce or modification case. This tip applies to new relationships. Advertising a new person you are dating can become a problem, either in your divorce or well after if you have a modification case.
People can take things the wrong way. What may be a simple selfie with a colleague at a networking event, could look like something else to others who know you are in a divorce or modification case. The last thing you need is a rumor mill buzzing and misinformation sharing in divorces and modifications.
Keeping Kids Out of Your Divorce, Modification or Enforcement Case
Avoid talking badly to your spouse or ex, or talking badly about them. Something as simple as mentioning what the other is saying or doing on Facebook or Instagram can upset your kids. They don’t want to see you upset while they are trying to make sure they feel safe and everything is going to be okay.
People find all kinds of ways to use social media to gain an advantage as the preferred parent, in court, and at home. With social media, we only get a snapshot of what is happening. Whether it is you or the other parent, it is best to steer clear of anything that can upset people.
For these reasons, some people decide to either go offline completely or use social media only sparingly. You should be cautious about what you delete, however, especially if there is a temporary order addressing social media.
Avoiding the Court Ordering a Review of Your Social Media
If social media posts become a disputed matter of evidence in your divorce or modification case, the opposing counsel can ask the Court to order you to turn over information on social media for review. Asking for court orders for social media is something that requires an experienced divorce and family law attorney who can best advise and negotiate on your behalf so your best interests and the best interests of your children remain the focus.
Use OurFamilyWizard to communicate with the other parent, and to share and save information and updates. By not using direct messenger apps you keep everything in one place where you already know the attorneys and judge can see what is said and shared.
You may like our blog about the features and benefits of using Our FamilyWizard, Divorcing with Children 104: Using Our Family Wizard.
Call the Barrows Firm in Southlake for Divorce and Modification Advice and Representation. Our Team Helps You Through the Process and Keeps You Informed. Call us at (817) 481-1583.
Many families turn to the Barrows Firm when they have high conflict divorce, child custody, and modification needs. Leslie Barrows and her team of attorneys, paralegals, and staff are focused on families. With additional questions about social media dos and don’ts during divorces and modifications, you may also contact us through our website.
