With the rise of social media, activity on sites like Facebook® and Twitter® are increasingly affecting divorce proceedings. In fact, it’s now a standard practice for attorneys to ask their clients to provide publicly available posts from their ex-spouse. As a result, it’s important to understand how social media can be used against you or your ex in court. Here’s what you need to know. 

How Social Media Affects Divorce Proceedings

1. Child Custody

When a court determines child custody, they take a variety of factors into account, such as finances, living situations, and addictions. Say, for example, your ex-spouse has had a problem with alcoholism in the past. If they post pictures that show them intoxicated, your attorney can use the images in court to establish your ex’s state of mind. You may be able to show that they’re undeserving of custody, as their alcoholism can negatively impact the children.

2. Alimony

Alimony payments are generally determined based on the standard of living that each spouse had during the marriage. If, say, your ex is looking to reduce how much they owe, you may be able to use social media posts to show their spending habits. For example, they may claim that they’re running out of money but also post images on Facebook® of fancy vacations or meals. Again, social media activity can be used as proof. 

3. Equitable Distribution 

In most cases, the courts will try to split assets evenly in a divorce. However, cheating during or before the proceedings can significantly impact financial obligations, asset distribution, and other aspects. For example, if you discover your ex’s online dating profile, the judge may be more likely to side with you in regards to alimony payments and child custody agreements. 

When you need a reliable divorce attorney, contact Coates Frey Tanimoto & Gibson, AAL, LLLC. Located on Oahu, HI, they’ve been serving Honolulu residents for over 35 years. Their attorneys are frequently recognized as Hawaii Super Lawyers®. Additionally, they have handled over 20,000 family law cases, so they have the legal experience you need to win. They also offer alternative dispute resolution and mediation services to protect your privacy and help you avoid conflict. Call (808) 524-4854 or head to their website to learn more.