In this day and age, nearly everyone uses some form of social media. While it provides a great way to stay connected with family and friends, many people have learned that their online activities can have negative consequences. This is particularly true for those going through a divorce. It has become increasingly common for social media posts to be presented as evidence in legal proceedings. This means anything you share, regardless of your privacy settings, could potentially be used against you in court. Here’s a closer look at why attorneys recommend a social media sabbatical until the proceedings are concluded.

3 Factors of a Divorce That Are Impacted by Social Media Use

1. Grounds for Divorce

Alabama law recognizes both no-fault and fault-based divorces. One of the acceptable grounds for a fault-based petition is adultery. As such, even if you and your spouse have been separated for some time and agreed to see other people, posting about a new relationship could lead to trouble with your case. A judge may view your dating activities as infidelity and take this into consideration when determining whether or not to award alimony.

2. Financial Support

Money is a big issue in most divorce cases. Both parties are required to submit financial records to help the court rule on division of assets, alimony, and child support. Thus, if anything you share online contradicts the documentation you’ve submitted, this could cause a serious problem with your finances.

For example, your request for alimony or child support may be reduced or denied if you post about frivolous shopping trips or buying a new car. Additionally, you can find yourself in legal trouble if you’re hoping to pay less support but post pictures of lavish vacations and presents you’ve bought a significant other. Even when posts and photos are less dramatic than these examples, they may still be misconstrued.

3. Child Custody

When child custody is involved, the stakes are particularly high. Posting pictures that show you partying or engaging in questionable behavior can hurt your chances of receiving custody, especially if it’s during a time the children were in your care. Making disparaging comments about your spouse is also frowned upon in court, as judges want to make sure parents are willing to put the children’s needs first and refrain from creating a hostile situation.  

If you’ve decided to pursue a divorce, trust the attorneys at Arnold Law Offices to guide you through the process from beginning to end. They have extensive knowledge of the legal system and can offer valuable advice to prevent you from making errors that could damage your case. Backed by years of experience, this firm is committed to providing residents across St. Clair County, AL, with personalized representation and unwavering support when navigating difficult family law issues. Call (205) 338-6565 to schedule a consultation or visit them online to learn more about their services.