Social Media is Influencing Divorce More Than Ever

 Posted on August 01, 2019 in Divorce

The majority of Americans have a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, or another social media account. These websites and apps are increasingly a major part of many peoples’ lives. Social media is the main way many people share information, pictures, and plans with friends and family. Social media is also becoming increasingly relevant to divorce proceedings.

It may surprise you to learn that over 80 percent of family law attorneys present evidence from social media in court and that 66 percent of divorce cases involve information taken directly from Facebook. If you are getting divorced, it is critical that you properly manage your social media accounts so that evidence from these accounts cannot be used against you.

Avoid Disclosing Financial Information on Facebook

Although few of us would share our literal net worth online, there are many ways that people getting divorced accidently share financial information on social media. For example, a divorcing husband may share online that he got a promotion at work. His wife could then use this information to try and increase the amount of child support or spousal maintenance (alimony) he is required to pay. There have also been instances when a person posts pictures of new purchases or expensive vacations online which end up being used as evidence during their divorce. Even if you have blocked your soon-to-be-ex-spouse from viewing your social media accounts, there are many ways that they can access this information anyway. It is important to practice discretion when making social media posts during divorce.

Social Media Can Affect Child Custody and Other Considerations

In Illinois, child custody is called “allocation of parental responsibility” and visitation is called “parenting time.” When divorcing parents or unmarried parents cannot come to an agreement about issues of parenting time and parental responsibility, the court must step in to make these decisions. If a divorcing parent posts something online that brings into question their ability to be a suitable parent, it could be used against them in court. For example, posting pictures involving drug or alcohol use can create the impression that you are more interested in partying than caring for your children.

Another social media mistake people make during divorce is posting on dating websites before the divorce is finalized. This can create an unflattering image of the individual which may influence the court’s opinion of them. It may be best to simply take a break from updating online profiles or posting to social media until your divorce is settled and all issues of property division, child support, child custody, and spousal maintenance are decided.

Contact a Schaumburg Divorce Lawyer

For help with your Illinois divorce, reach out to the experienced Rolling Meadows family law attorneys at the Cosley Law Office. Call us today at 847-253-3100 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.natlawreview.com/article/family-law-social-media-evidence-divorce-cases

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/a-look-at-how-social-medi_b_10633940