Social media’s role in divorce proceedings

Louisiana residents may be under the misconception that emails and text messages are personal and no one can view them without their permission, but this is not the case. During divorce proceedings, these forms of communication are not only admissible, but also subpoenaed in certain instances. This means if one party has not revealed some important information in court, but has shared it through another medium of communication, this can be used as evidence that the person is not being honest in their declarations.

Social media usage is very tricky and risky during a divorce-some experts go as far as to not to reveal any sensitive information in any form of communication. Shares on social media can be gathered and used as credible evidence that can be used against a party in many family law matters, including child custody and alimony.

For example, people are often posting where they are and what they are doing in real time on social media. If a parent is going through a child custody battle, but posts information about them engaging in questionable activities when they should have been caring for the children, this may be used as evidence of improper care. Similarly, most people don’t post incomes or property information on social media, but pictures of vacations and shopping sprees can demonstrate the need or lack of need of spousal support.

Social media is often used in court as evidence in divorce cases, and a divorcing couple should know both how to avoid letting it be used to their detriment and also how to gather relevant evidence from it.