Could Social Media Posts Affect Your Family Law Case?

Social media applications such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have become a major part of many of our lives. They can be a very useful communication tool. However, if you are going through a divorce in Florida, or any other family law dispute, it is important to remember that social media posts could have an impact on your case. Information posted on social media can provide relevant information that can often be used as a valid form of evidence. If you have any questions or concerns about social media posts and Florida family law, you should contact an experienced Orlando family law attorney for immediate legal help.

Social Media Posts are Generally Admissible in Court

Most family members have social media networks that are closely intertwined. This is important to remember, because even if you block someone from viewing your posts, the information posted on the internet will still often find its way back to that person. A social media post made by you, your former spouse, or another family member, could end up in the courtroom. Public social media posts are admissible in court. Typically, as long as the information was obtained in a legal manner, anything posted in social media can be used in legal proceedings.

Social Media Posts Can Affect A Wide Array of Cases

• Divorce and asset distribution: Florida is an equitable distribution state, that means that assets and liabilities are to be divided ‘fairly’ by the court. This is one of the most contentious issues in many Florida divorce cases. Social media posts may provide information about undeclared assets. For example, if one spouse posts a picture of their new car, or photos from an expensive vacation, on Facebook, that may be used as evidence for purposes of asset distribution. If information posted on social media contradicts other claims that have been made about finances, the posts will be relevant.
• Alimony: Similar to asset distribution, social media posts may also indicate that one spouse has far greater ability to pay alimony than they claim. On the flip side, social media content may also provide revelatory information about the job skills and employment search of the spouse currently receiving alimony.
• Child custody: Finally, social media posts can have a major impact on disputed child custody and child time sharing cases. Florida courts seek to act in the best interests of the child. Social media posts can provide evidence that indicates that a parent’s behavior is not consistent with what is best for a child’s mental and physical well being. This is because social media posts often provide extensive information about a person’s lifestyle. For example, posts may indicate that one parent was intoxicated at a time when they should have been caring for their child.

Need Legal Help?

At the Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A., our compassionate legal team works tirelessly to help Florida families find amicable solutions. We understand how sensitive family law issues can be and we want to help your family find the best path forward. However, we will also aggressively fight to protect your rights when needed. Please contact our Orlando office by calling 407-521-7171 to schedule a fully confidential initial legal consultation.