Some New Mexico residents may be interested to learn about how social media may be adversely affecting divorce proceedings around the country. Social media has the potential to dangerously complicate a party’s interests in a divorce and undermine their case for child custody and alimony. For example, if one parent has custody of a teenaged child and that child posts photographs of him or herself engaging in some illegal activity, those photographs can be used against the parent during custody hearings, even if the parent had no knowledge the activities.
It is important to bear in mind that social media posts are very difficult to hide, and a person’s post may be the subject of public scrutiny. While such posts can be deleted, doing so could have a negative outcome if the deletion is performed in the context of a legal proceeding such as divorce. That action may be seen as an attempt to delete evidence, which can further complicate a case.
As these examples illustrate, divorces can be quite delicate and seemingly slight missteps may weaken one party’s position. In many divorces, the stakes are high. Decisions concerning the well-being of a couple’s child and a person’s own financial future are made during the dissolution of a marriage.
For this reason, it may be beneficial to consult with a family law attorney in advance. An attorney may be able to provide a client with assistance and guidance throughout proceedings after reviewing relevant documentation. That attorney may also be able to help a client avoid missteps concerning social media activity and arrive at a more favorable outcome when the divorce is finalized.
Source: The Huffington Post, “The Divorce Mistakes You Don’t Even Know You’re Making“, Taryn Hillin, March 18, 2014