Thanks to the widespread use of social media, it is now easier than ever to go online and find out intimate details about other people’s lives. While social media is a great way to keep your friends and family updated on your life, during a divorce or other family law case, social media use can be a liability. Few people realize the extent to which the comments, photos, location check-ins, and other activity can be admissible evidence in a divorce case. If you are considering obtaining a divorce in New York, here are some general guidelines to follow to prevent your social media use from jeopardizing your case.
What social media use can be used as evidence?
Generally speaking, all of the content on your social media—whether it’s from Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, or any other platform—can be used against you in a divorce. Safeguards like privacy settings are usually not sufficient to keep the content out of evidence. Further, deleting questionable activity may remove the content from your account, but will not remove it completely from the internet.
How can social media use compromise my divorce?
Here are just some of the ways that social media use can compromise your divorce:
- Can be used as evidence of an extramarital affair
- Can be used to prove the existence of an alcohol, drug, or other addiction
- May expose other sources of undisclosed income
- Is often used in custody and visitation cases to show that one parent is unfit
What is the best way to use social media during a divorce?
The best way to avoid your social media use being used as evidence against you is to stop using your accounts for the duration of the divorce. Many social media platforms have the option to temporarily suspend or pause your account for a specified amount of time.
However, if you choose to continue to use your social media accounts, a few simple precautions can help prevent your social media content from damaging your interests during your divorce:
- Do not disparage your spouse online
- Do not discuss the details of your divorce
- Avoid posting photos that show drug or alcohol use
- Refrain from discussing details of a new romantic relationship
New York divorce and family law representation
At the Law Offices of Stacy Sabatini, Esq., we understand the unique role that social media use has in divorce litigation and can help our clients prevent their social media accounts from jeopardizing their interests. For more information on social media use during your family law case, please call 845-243-0295 or contact us via email today for your initial consultation. The Law Offices of Stacy Sabatini, Esq. are located in New City, New York, and proudly serves families located in Rockland, Orange and Westchester counties.