Nowadays, social media has become a permanent fixture in our society. However, its impact on family law cases is significant, given that it is now possible to live-tweet court proceedings, serve legal documents via Facebook messages, and submit numerous screenshots as evidence. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that social media has gained more significance in divorce cases.
One example of social media in divorce proceedings is the 2021 divorce case of actors Ioan Grufford and Alice Evans. Since then, Alice has made several allegations against Ioan through various social media platforms. In particular, Alice’s posts revolve around accusations of Ioan being an unfit parent to their two daughters. She has also shared screenshots of text conversations between Ioan and his eldest child.
Of course, divorce is undeniably a challenging and emotionally taxing experience. However, being mindful of what you post online is crucial to avoid any irreversible consequences. This article delves deeper into how your social media activity can be utilized by your ex-partner and how it could impact your divorce proceedings.
Can Social Media Posts Serve as Evidence in Court?
Social media posts are considered public documents and can be used as evidence in Court. So, it’s important to remember that even if you have removed your ex-spouse from your friends or followers list and blocked them, mutual friends can still see your posts.
Sometimes, former partners who feel wronged may resort to creating a new account to keep tabs on their ex’s activities after a divorce. They may gather information as evidence and even use it for blackmail purposes.
During a divorce, it’s common for relationships to become tense. However, resisting the urge to vent your frustrations on social media is vital here. Posting without caution could have severe consequences that could harm your case during the separation proceedings.
How Do Social Media Posts Affect Divorce Proceedings?
Nowadays, social media has become an integral part of almost everyone’s daily routine. People’s familiarity with social media often results in them sharing their life updates and pictures without considering the consequences of their actions.
However, it is important to be cautious of your social media activity, especially when you are undergoing a divorce. Your posts can be interpreted in various ways and may be used against you by your ex-partner.
Any messages, photos, tags, or videos that you share can be utilized to suggest that you have behaved inappropriately. Therefore, being mindful of what you post on social media during this challenging time is advisable.
If you want to spend time with your kids and your partner perceives your efforts as harassment, it can have detrimental consequences. Additionally, it may result in injunction proceedings and legal costs that you may be held accountable for.
What You Should Avoid Doing at All Costs
We recommend refraining from discussing your children, financial and divorce matters on social media platforms. Publicly sharing such private information can often do more harm than good. It’s best to keep these matters confidential.
Additionally, it’s also best to avoid speaking negatively about your ex-partner on online forums. Doing so can only worsen the situation, which may result in higher costs for divorce proceedings. Instead, handle the divorce amicably and avoid any unnecessary conflict.
