For many people, social media can serve as a type of diary. They may not give a second thought to sharing family photos, venting frustrations, or asking for advice through various social platforms. For divorcing parents, however, social media can cause additional friction in an already stressful time.
The impact of social media on delicate legal proceedings has become a topic of great significance. By better understanding the role of social media and divorce in Ohio, you can make your own decisions about how to handle your online presence.
How is Social Media Used in Divorce Proceedings?
You’ve probably heard that your digital footprint follows you everywhere, and during divorce, that’s especially true. Your social media behavior could follow you right into the courtroom. When it comes to social media and divorce, social media is often used as a source of evidence. Posts, messages, and images can be utilized to establish behavior patterns, financial discrepancies, infidelity, and parenting capabilities. Location data and timestamps can provide a timeline of events.
Some common ways social media is used in Ohio divorce proceedings include the following:
Infidelity
Evidence of a spouse’s extramarital affairs with another person can sometimes be established through messages, photos, and check-ins on social media platforms.
Financial Records
Social media can often highlight hidden assets or income by showcasing extravagant spending, undisclosed business ventures, or financial transactions that contradict claims filed with the court.
Parenting Capabilities
Social posts or photos depicting a parent’s behavior, such as excessive partying, substance abuse, or neglectful parenting, may be used to argue for or against child custody.
Co-Parenting Disputes
Conflict between divorcing parents can be amplified through heated exchanges on social media, which may serve as concrete evidence of a hostile relationship.
Communication Records
Messages, emails, and social media conversations can often provide solid evidence of disagreements, threats, or harassing behavior between spouses.
Timeline of Events
Timestamps and geolocation data on social media posts can help establish a timeline of events relevant to Ohio divorce proceedings, such as separation dates, incidents, or key decisions.
Meeting with your divorce attorney is crucial before presenting evidence from social media in court. You must consider privacy and legality when using social media as evidence, as improper acquisition or manipulation of online data may not be permissible.
The Impact of Social Media on Child Custody
Social media can play a major role in every aspect of divorce proceedings, but it can be especially damaging when it comes to child custody. Since these battles are often the most emotionally charged aspects of divorce, it’s not uncommon for an ex-spouse to air their frustrations online.
Courts may comb through a parent’s social media profiles to determine their parenting skills, abilities as a caregiver, and overall character. Offensive, inappropriate, or derogatory posts relevant to the child or ex-spouse can reflect poorly on a person’s character and impact child custody arrangements.
Missteps on social media can have a significant impact on family law cases. If you’re struggling with navigating social media and divorce, talk to your lawyer and ensure they understand the full extent of what is being shared online.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Expert Divorce Attorney in Ohio
Don’t make costly mistakes when it comes to social media and divorce. Get sound advice from a professional who has your best interests at heart. At the Law Offices of Kenneth R. Kline LLC, we understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to help. Contact us today for a risk-free consultation.