It’s been nearly two years since we last wrote about the rise of the Facebook divorce, and how evidence of couples’ extra-marital exploits was finding its way onto social media and then subsequently into divorce proceedings.
Since that time, social media usage has continued to flourish, with more than 2 billion active social media accounts in existence globally. Also, in the past few weeks, a notorious dating website that enables extra-marital affairs has been hacked, with attackers threatening to expose the identities of the 37.5m adulterers who have used the site.
For this reason, we thought the time was right to revisit the idea of the ‘Facebook Divorce’, and investigate the effect that the rise of social media is having on divorce proceedings in the UK.
New statistics
A recent survey from Censuswide of more than 2000 respondents found that one in seven married individuals has considered divorce because of their spouse’s posting on Facebook or other social media sites.
The survey also found that a similar proportion admitted to searching for online evidence of their spouse’s infidelity, and nearly one in five respondents said they have daily rows as a result of their spouse’s social media usage.
It seems then, that social media is continuing to play a significant part in divorce cases being brought before the court, but how much of this activity is actually being used as evidence?
Divorce and social media - are posts being used as evidence?
The above mentioned survey was commissioned by a national law firm after they noticed that the number of its clients citing their partner’s Facebook, Skype, Snapchat, Twitter and What’sApp activity as grounds for divorce was increasing significantly.
And it’s not just divorce cases in which information posted on social media is being used as evidence. In fact, according to Facebook’s Government Requests Report, Facebook received 2,366 requests involving 2,890 accounts from UK law enforcement agencies in the second half of 2014.
It’s vital to remember then, that no matter what your privacy settings, the things you post on social media can be used against you in court. Dated photographs, conversation threads and comments on other’s activity, all have the potential to prove adultery. It's also important to note that now that Google are indexing Tweets, the things that you post on Twitter will be easier to find than ever.
Divorce by Facebook…
In a further development to the Facebook divorce issue, a New York Judge has recently allowed service of divorce summons by Facebook in the state.
The decision, made by Justice Matthew Cooper in April, is seen as a significant step towards utilising technology to bring the legal system into the 21st century. How long it will take for this kind of progression to be seen in the UK, however, remains to be seen.
Howells Solicitors
At Howells Solicitors, we’re aware that divorce can be a very difficult process, and that every individual case is unique. We provide exceptional client care alongside an experienced legal service, ensuring you are given the support and understanding you need to successfully work through your divorce.
To find out more about how we can help, make an appointment for a free 30 minute consultation. Call the Howells divorce lawyer team on 02920 404014 or email info@howellslegal.com today.
