Use of social media makes spousal spying easier during divorce

March 01, 2014

It used to be that arguments between spouses and occurrences of infidelity remained private matters, handled outside the public view. Indeed, in many cases, it was difficult, if not impossible, to find definitive evidence that anything untoward had happened. The increasing use of social media by people of all ages, however, has changed that. Today, it is essential for those who are considering filing for divorce to keep a close eye on their own social media use.

According to a 2010 survey conducted by the American Association of Matrimonial Lawyers, 81 percent of divorce attorneys reported increasing their use of social media evidence in divorce cases. Of all social media platforms, posts on Facebook were by far the most used in divorce cases.

The primary reason why this sort of information is commonly used is quite simple: in the course of a divorce - particularly in cases involving questions of child custody - parties present themselves in a particular way. The opposing party, of course, will begin scrutinizing every tweet and Facebook post in an effort to find information that calls into question whether this position is true. Furthermore, social media sites make it easy to find this sort of information.

For those who have filed for divorce or those who are considering filing for divorce, it is important to realize that information posted on the internet can be used against you. In some cases, a photo of someone holding a beer at a party might be offered to demonstrate that he has a tendency to drink too much. In other cases, discussions with someone of the opposite sex might be offered to show infidelity.

When beginning the divorce process, it is a good idea to keep interactions on social media outlets to a minimum. It may be a good idea, too, to block your soon to be ex-spouse and to change your passwords. Depending on how much you use them, it may even be the best option to delete your social media accounts altogether. The less information you provide, the less likely it is to come back to haunt you.

If you are considering divorcing your spouse, take the time to schedule an appointment with a knowledgeable divorce attorney. A divorce attorney can explain your rights, outline your options and provide you with information on what to expect next. If you have questions about the divorce process, do not delay: speak to an attorney today.

Article provided by Law Offices of Douglas I. Krompier MBA LLC
Visit us at www.krompierlaw.com