Helen Perkins, Associate Solicitor in our Family Department based in our Swansea solicitor Office provides her thoughts and advice about how people should manage their social media accounts during a separation or divorce.
Social media is now a part of most people’s everyday lives, be it on a personal or professional basis.
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram to name just a few of the more popular social media websites are used by millions of people around the world. For the vast majority of their users, these platforms provide a great way to share their news, promotions, post photos and keep in touch with family and friends.
Whilst it provides a lot of joy for some, it can have a negative impact if you are in the process of separating or going through a divorce. In some instances, it can even play a part in the divorce itself!!
Content can be used in Court
According to a recent US survey of family solicitors, a staggering 81% said they had seen an increase in the number of divorce cases using social networking evidence during the last five years! Facebook was named by 66% of the solicitors surveyed as the primary site to gather evidence from.
Whilst there haven’t been any surveys conducted in the UK, our family department have noted a significant number of clients who have asked for content posted on social media sites to be used as supporting evidence for their cases.
Think before you post!
Whilst it might be very tempting to post comments or photos about an ex, stop and think about the consequences before you do. It might be a source of light relief to you and your friends, but it might not be viewed that way by a judge!
Don’t boast about holidays and material goods you might have bought since you separated. This could be used against you for the purposes of a financial settlement.
Ask your friends and family to be mindful of your current situation when posting comments or tagging you in photos.
Also, if there are children involved and they are connected to you via your social media accounts, bear them in mind as they will read your comments.
You could even consider coming ‘off-line’ until the separation or divorce has been finalised.
If you require additional information about any aspect of family law including divorce financial settlements and children disputes, please contact Helen Perkins on 01792 410016 or email: helen.p@howellslegal.com.
by Richard Scott
