Facebook Increasingly Tied to Divorce
A recent study uncovered that approximately one-third of divorces filed in the United States today mention the word "Facebook."
November 30, 2012
Facebook Increasingly Tied to DivorceFacebook and other social media websites have become integrated into the everyday lives of most Americans. Some keep in touch with loved ones far away, others keep friends and family up to date on their daily lives and some use social media to network with individuals in their field of work. The use of social media does not always have positive results, however. For example, a recent study uncovered that approximately one-third of divorces filed in the United States today mention the word "Facebook."
Social Media Used as Evidence in Divorce Cases
In 2009, only about 20 percent of divorce filings nationwide mentioned the word "Facebook" in the documentation, and today that number has increased to around 33 percent. In addition, according to the American Association of Matrimonial Lawyers, around 80 percent of divorce attorneys find that social media is playing a larger role in their clients' cases, with information and pictures gathered from social media increasingly used as evidence in divorce and child custody cases.
Use Social Media Carefully
Facebook and other social media websites may display information about a person that can support or discredit the claims they make in court. Pictures of expensive cars and lavish vacations may cast a spouse's professed need for alimony into doubt. Similarly, negative statements about one's children or the responsibilities of parenting made on Facebook or other social media may negatively affect one's request for child custody. Therefore, people considering divorce should be mindful of the impact their social media postings may have on their divorce case.
Navigating the Details
When faced with a divorce, there are many sides to the story. Hiring an experienced family law attorney is a wise decision. Such an attorney will fight to ensure that an individual's wishes are strongly advocated for, whether social media is involved or not.
Article provided by Law Offices of Douglas J. Wells
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