A recent study found that the average owner of a smartphone touches the device’s display about 2,600 times per day, adding up to approximately a million swipes, wipes, taps and touches per year. The most used app? Facebook.
With so many people are in nearly constant communication with social media, it makes sense that their interactions can generate evidence that can be used in divorce, affecting important issues such as child custody, spousal support, child support and more.
Social media might seem like a harmless outlet for discussing and showing off meals, outings, friendships, pets and kids, but it can also be where people vent about job woes, dates gone bad, money problems and marital disputes.
A recent article recalled the case of a man who asked his former spouse for alimony in their divorce. He claimed he had no job and needed financial support. Yet his social media postings contained boasts about his employment — and his pricey vacations with his girlfriend. Unsurprisingly, the court did not award him alimony.
A family law attorney found a LinkedIn profile that showed a spouse had been hiding a side business and secondary income. The uncovered information helped the lawyer increase the amount of child support to be paid by the stealth businessman.
Think, too, of situations in which a father or mother asks for a court to award custody, yet their social media posts show that they have been partying when they were supposed to be caring for their children.
Remember that it isn’t only social media postings that can affect your divorce. Emails and texts can be admissible in court, too.
An experienced Peoria family law attorney can assess the circumstances of your divorce and help you take steps to protect your children and your rights as a parent.
