In a world where everyone can post to Facebook, tweet, Instagram and text every element of their lives, it should not be surprising that it has become commonplace for people to do just that. However, Connecticut residents going through a divorce are reminded that such posts are of the permanent variety, and can be used against them at the negotiating table and before the court. In fact, many divorce experts are seeing just that happening more and more often.
An estimated 97 percent of divorce lawyers polled said they had seen an increase in digital communication used as evidence in divorce proceedings. This was particularly the case when it came to text messages, which can be confiscated and recovered for court purposes even if they have been deleted. Of course, many people are unaware or forgetful of the fact that things posted to the Internet have a way of sticking around as well.
Facebook posts that suggest a different story than what is being told at the negotiating table are also prevalent. What is posted can run contrary to what is said in court, and more and more, those posts are used as evidence to undermine a case. In the digital age, it is even more important than ever to be mindful of what is said publicly during such a critical time.
Some experts have suggested that Connecticut residents facing divorce simply “unplug” for the duration of their case: close down social media accounts, change passwords and stop texting altogether. However, as in most divorce cases, seeking out support in planning for and executing a divorce agreement quickly and efficiently is perhaps the best way to avoid these problems. Even if the settlement is not amicable, addressing the issues online is not beneficial to either party.
Source: The Columbus Dispatch, “Technology potent tool in divorce cases”, Rita Price, June 14, 2015