A recent
study indicates that Facebook use is related to divorce, in just the ways
one would expect. Those who use Facebook more often are more likely to have
relationship problems. Social media is at its problematic best in the times
leading up to and during a divorce. Here are three important pitfalls to avoid.
1. Photos Are Admissible: Social Media and Divorce
Social media is big on photo-sharing. We take photos of everything and we post our photos online; There's no simpler way to share photos with all of the people you care about. But remember that your photos will be admissible in court, should your ex happen to gain access to them. Obviously, therefore, it is an important first step to block your ex from all of your social media pages. And don't forget to block any old Facebook account, even if they haven't been used in years. Blocking all of the accounts, though, is not enough. Couples tend to have mutual friends, and so it is not uncommon for husbands and wives to gain access to photos through friends on social media.
The best advice, generally, is to assume that your ex has access to the photos you post online and will make use of them in the case against you. Before you post it online, imagine each photo being examined individually, out-of-context, by a Michigan judge or jury in a court of law. Do not post photos that could compromise your character. Do not post travel photos or photos of purchases, like vehicles; this is not the time to flaunt spending.
2. Mt. Clemens, MI, Social Media: Messages Are Forever
Social media messages are a little safer, usually, than photos, but know that any message that your ex sees (including text messages) will be admissible in the family court. It is always important to take care with your writing, but it is especially important while litigation may be pending.
It is almost always a bad idea to send messages to your ex via social media. Social media is too casual; communications during divorce are careful matters. It is not necessary to send a notarized letter for each communication – should communication be necessary at all – but at least send an email, or look to your Michigan divorce attorney to do the crux of the communicating for you. It looks a lot more professional to a judge, and it may prevent potentially damaging, quickly drafted social media messages.
3. Choose a Qualified Michigan Divorce Attorney for Advice
Michigan's divorce laws create subtle issues around social media. Your attorney will likely advise against social media use, and should also point out specific common hazards. For example, comments, status updates, tweets, and any other short, impromptu messages to the whole wide world must never, ever say anything negative about your ex. It's very tempting to air the breakup laundry for family and friends, but it never ends well.
Negative comments look childish to the rest of the world, including (or especially) Michigan family court judges. And, even if they don't bite you during the case, nasty comments are always embarrassing later. Indeed, comment-regret is so widespread and well-known that Carnegie Mellon University recently published a study of the reasons behind regrettable posts.
Contact Femminineo Attorneys, PLLC to schedule your free initial consultation, get Michigan divorce help, and discuss your situation.
Femminineo Attorneys
Michigan Divorce Help
110 S Main St #200
Mt Clemens, MI 48043
United States
(586) 954-9500
http://www.michigandivorcehelp.com/
Michigan Divorce Help
110 S Main St #200
Mt Clemens, MI 48043
United States
(586) 954-9500
http://www.michigandivorcehelp.com/
