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Attorneys Cite Facebook, Match.com in Divorce Cases

Monday, March 25, 2013 17:50

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It’s not a good idea to post too much on Facebook or Twitter if you’re going through a divorce. Remember, social media can be quite revealing. And the last thing you want is to reveal more than you need to. It can be used against you as evidence.

According to a recent survey by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), 64 percent of respondents said they’ve cited Match.com as a source of evidence in divorce cases.

But Match.com isn’t the only website used to gather evidence. It’s well known that divorce lawyers are also using Facebook to compile evidence for divorce proceedings, according to Boston’s WBZ-TV.

There are some posts and photos that could be particularly damaging to your case.

For example, any posts that are dishonest can be very harmful in a divorce case. Status updates that claim you’re single when, in fact, you’re still married can come back to work against you in a divorce proceeding. In fact, relationship status is the most commonly cited piece of evidence taken from these websites.

Similarly, a status that indicates you don’t have any children (when you do) would be dishonest. It could affect your case.

Party photos can also hurt your case. If you’re partying it up, you might be seen as an unfit parent. That could hurt you in a child custody case in which bad and abusive online behavior towards your ex can be very damaging.

Both of these behaviors are viewed as negative factors by the court when weighing child custody options.

Facebook posts can be very damaging to your case when you’re unwittingly disclosing financial information. When you’re in the process of dividing your assets, Facebook photos and Match.com profile details can reveal more than you want them to.

Bottom line: play it safe when using social media during a divorce.

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