No one looks forward to going to court, especially when your case involves other family members. Even the presence of skilled attorneys, mediators, and sympathetic family court judges does not always make it any easier. In an age where personal importance is often determined by the number of social media followers a person has, it is growing more common for adults to document every aspect of their lives online for their friends and followers. Unfortunately, if you are involved in litigation, doing anything online is not without risk. We have outlined a few practices that can help active social media users involved in litigation avoid major problems.
Think Out Every Post
Every action has consequences, making it vital that you think about every single thing you are posting prior to actually posting it. Think of how your words, actions, or pictures may appear to a third party in or out of context. Is what you are posting something you would feel comfortable showing to your parents, children, spouse, or attorney? Remember, that in today’s changing legal landscape, what you post on social media could easily find its way in front of the judge hearing your case. Think before you post, and if you have any reason to question or doubt the advisability of sharing the post, do not publish it on social media.
Do Not Discuss Your Case
Regardless of whether you are going through a divorce, dealing with a custody dispute, or having a problem agreeing to adoption terms, avoid discussing your case on social media. It is common to use social media as a way to vent or seek advice, but discussing your case could create more problems than it solves. The comments you post could give your opponent’s attorney clues about your legal plan, making your own lawyer’s task more difficult. In matters regarding custody disputes, talking negatively about the other parent or family members is never encouraged.
Review Privacy Settings
Social media gives users the ability to restrict the audience of certain posts. A person could create an audience that only includes close friends, family members, or coworkers. It is also possible to hide all of your activity from anyone who is not a friend or follower of your account. Before posting anything, double check that your settings are either private or restricted. Accidentally posting private thoughts publically has created nightmares for some unsuspecting users, and depending on the terms of your settlement, talking about your case could violate agreements or conditions set by the judge.
Get Advice
The evolution of social made has changed some of the concerns associated with family court cases. It is best to be safe rather than sorry, making it a good idea to seek legal advice if you are an active social media user dealing with any type of legal issue. The family law attorneys at Vayman & Teitelbaum can provide you with advice on how to conduct yourself on social media during your litigation. We understand the importance of social media for personal comfort and professional growth. Our team will work with you throughout your case to keep your social media presence intact without jeopardizing your case. Contact us today and schedule a consultation at one of our Atlanta area locations so that we can discuss your needs.
