California Divorce Law: Protecting Your Rights in the Era of Social Media Use
Without a doubt, we live in a world that is drastically impacted by the use of social media platforms. According to reports, approximately 80 percent of the population in the United States uses some form of social media platform.
When it comes to divorce, it is likely that at least one of the parties has a social media account. Social media, however, can affect divorce proceedings. In effort of helping you understand your rights when it comes to social media, this article will emphasize generalized reasons of how social media can affect your divorce. If you are a holder of a social media account in California, consider speaking to a proficient divorce law attorney who can help you understand your rights and how a social media post can affect you.
The Repercussions of Social Media on Divorce Cases
Social media drives users to share a wealth of information. Depending on the circumstances, or the reasons a person has obtained an account, individuals can be driven to share an excess of personal information they would not otherwise share.
Many divorce cases will often involve disputes and social media can play a significant role in these disputes. When a person decides to post on social media, this creates a record of social interactions, finance changes or purchases, places attended, and even the food being eaten. The information revealed in a social media post could present a series of dilemmas in a divorce that may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Child custody,
- Property distribution,
- Spousal support, or
- Child support
Protect Yourself in Your Divorce Proceedings
Social media is a new tool that while it has an immense amount of benefits, it can also be used against you in a divorce court. While you do not need to completely ban social media in order to avoid harm, it is important to be cautious. Your social media record can provide a snapshot of your personality, and this can be used in your favor, or in the worst case against you, in a divorce court. When creating a post, it is important to use precaution and to not be impulsive. Impulsive messages posted across the Internet could be detrimental to your case. A few common examples of social media posts that could potential affect your case include:
- A post regarding excessive partying and the use of illicit drugs can affect those seeking child custody.
- A post regarding the purchase of expensive items bought with a shared income before the marriage can be used during property distribution.
Consult the Legal Expertise of a Professional Attorney
Just as you can be using precaution when posting across various social media platforms, your spouse may not be using the same sense of care and you could have the opportunity to use this information in your favor. In any case, seek the legal advice of an attorney who has experience in divorce law. An attorney with the right knowledge can help to ensure that your rights are protected.
The attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine, & Knox, LLP., are highly experienced in family law cases that involve the implications of social media use in divorce cases. A divorce can present many challenges for many families; if you are going through a divorce, obtain the right legal support today.
Stephen Levine, is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Defense — an honor achieved by only the top criminal law attorneys in California. Mr. Levine has over 40 years of experience in criminal defense and family law serving Southern California, and is a highly regarded Super Lawyer as well as AV Rated attorney.