When you are going through a
divorce, if it is contested, you should expect that your spouse is doing everything
in their power to cast you in a less than favorable light. Past mistakes
can be dredged up and current problems can be brought front and center,
all in an attempt to win more marital property or parental rights. While
this might seem unfair, to say the least, it is important not to get hung
up on it and instead do what you can to protect yourself and your best
interests during your divorce. And this includes checking your behavior on
social media accounts.
Timothy Conlon discusses digital forensics in divorce
Providence Journal video by Steve Szydlowski
Nearly everyone has a Facebook account these days, and just about everyone
likes to share their day-to-day lives on the site using posts and picture
uploads. The intended purpose of Facebook allows you to connect with people
from all around the world, but it can also allow your ex to effectively
spy on you. If you post the wrong thing at the wrong time, you could seriously
harm your divorce case. For example, if you are claiming you will not
be able to afford alimony payments but then post pictures of your luxurious
vacation in the Bahamas, a judge might be presented the images in court
and start to see things differently.
Apps and Sites That Cause Real Damage
Some social media sites and apps are intrinsically negative for your divorce
case, no matter how you look at them. In particular, Tinder is a highly
popular app for mobile devices that allows people to browse other users
in their area and decide if they are attracted to one another or not.
While the argument could be made that you were simply looking for friends
on the program, this is not its intended purpose and will unlikely take
flight in divorce court.
Ashley Madison is another site that is particularly harmful for your case.
The site advertises itself as a way for married people to cheat on their
spouses without any consequence – despite the fact that millions
of user identities were leaked due to a hack in 2015. Social media platforms
such as Tinder and Ashley Madison indicate infidelity, or at least a lack
of commitment to the marriage, and can harm your chances during your divorce.
If you are going through a divorce and you think social media is being
used against you, it is time to
contact TJC • Esq and our Rhode Island divorce lawyers. We can defend your best interests
in your divorce by determining that your social media accounts do not
indicate any wrongdoing on your part. We may even be able to use
e-discovery methods to figure out if your spouse has been leaving clues of wrongdoing
on their own social media sites. We can do whatever it takes to get you
through this complex and difficult time with as a little stress as possible.
Call 401.216.4414 today for a
consultation with our staff of dedicated family law attorneys in Providence.