How Social Media is Changing Family Law?

Over the past decade, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, allowing us to connect with others and share our experiences. While social media has many positive aspects, it has also changed the landscape of family law in the United States. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have given family law attorneys a wealth of new information to use in divorce, child custody, and support cases.

In divorce cases, social media can play a crucial role in uncovering hidden assets or exposing marital misconduct. For example, if one spouse claims to have no money to pay spousal support, but posts pictures of a luxury vacation or a new car on social media, the other spouse’s attorney can use this information to argue for a higher support payment. Similarly, if one spouse is suspected of infidelity, their social media posts and messages can be used as evidence to prove or disprove the allegations.

In child custody cases, social media can be used to paint a picture of a parent’s lifestyle and habits. For example, if one parent is seeking primary custody of the children but is posting pictures of wild parties or excessive drinking on social media, the other parent’s attorney can use this information to argue that they are not fit to have custody. Additionally, social media can provide evidence of a parent’s interactions with the children, which can be helpful in determining the best custody arrangement.

In child support cases, social media can be used to uncover income and employment information. For example, if a parent claims to be unemployed and unable to pay child support, but is posting pictures of a new job or business venture on social media, the other parent’s attorney can use this information to argue for a higher support payment.

While social media has provided a wealth of new information for family law attorneys, it has also created new challenges. For example, social media posts can be taken out of context or misunderstood, leading to false accusations and unnecessary legal battles. Additionally, social media can be used to harass or intimidate parties involved in family law cases, leading to emotional distress and even physical danger.

In conclusion, social media has had a profound impact on family law in the United States. While it has provided attorneys with new sources of information and evidence, it has also created new challenges and dangers. As social media continues to evolve, family law attorneys will need to stay up to date with the latest trends and strategies for using social media in their cases.

I would love your feedback on this topic or to discuss it further. Please call my cell at 305-916-1298 – Matt Person.