While it may seem harmless to use social media to connect during the challenging experiences brought on by divorce, social media posts can work against spouses during divorce proceedings in New Jersey. You may not know this, but social media posts are admissible as evidence in court. Even seemingly innocuous posts can complicate your divorce case. While social media might not have caused your divorce, it could be a major factor in it. About sixteen percent of couples say that social media is a significant source of jealousy and friction in their relationships. For more information on why you should avoid social media during a divorce in New Jersey, please read on, then contact one of our experienced divorce attorneys in Monmouth and Middlesex County today. Reasons include:
Pictures and videos speak for themselves
Even “innocent” photos can expose information about your lifestyle. Your spouse and their lawyer may take images containing signs of alcohol or inappropriate behavior out of context. In addition, photos reveal a lot about your shopping habits and expose recent purchases you do not want your spouse to be aware of. Along with photos or videos of you engaging in risky behavior, this kind of documentation could alter the judge’s judgment regarding your fitness as a parent, resulting in an unfavorable child custody ruling.
Social media posts may contradict your testimony
If you share any information – i.e. emails, text messages, direct messages on social media, etc. – on these platforms that contradicts your formal statements, it may impact your divorce settlement or land you back in court.
It could expose your new relationship
While adultery or a spouse’s ability to quickly move on does not affect the ultimate outcome of the divorce proceedings in the Garden State, documentation of a new relationship can certainly dial up the acrimony and prolong the divorce process. Even though it should have no bearing on the court, a new relationship may adversely impact your reputation.
True privacy does not exist
Even if you are not posting anything on social media, your friends can tag you in photos showcasing certain people or places. Likewise, even if you make your account private, a “friend” or connection might turn over any evidence to your spouse and their legal team. These posts can incriminate you and may expose secrets you did not want out there. As a first step, you should ask your family and friends to avoid posting about you.
Speak with one of our skilled Monmouth County divorce attorneys if you have any further questions.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW JERSEY FIRM
If you require strong legal representation for matters of divorce and family law in Rumson, Monmouth County, or anywhere in New Jersey, contact The Law Offices of Paone, Zaleski & Murphy to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys today.
