3 Family Law-Related Facebook Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to legal cases, emotions can run high – especially when it involves family. And in our digital era, it’s not uncommon to see statuses and posts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and other social media platforms about family disputes laid out for anyone to read.
But did you know that anything you post on social media can impact the Court’s decision on your case? In fact, publishing sensitive information that identifies certain people during court proceedings is breaking the law. This is why it’s so important to practice self-control and avoid posting negatively about your spouse online, regardless of how upset or hurt you are. A social media rant during a legal family battle is never worth the consequences.
Family lawyers in Calgary will walk you through the process and what online activities to avoid. Here are three family law-related social media mistakes to avoid.
1. Posting negatively about your spouse or separation
Anything you post on social media about your spouse or family’s legal situation can get back to the Court. You can be sure the Court will take this very seriously. Especially when children are involved, you can lose credibility because of negative comments about the other parent. The Court not only takes into account financial support but also the emotional stability of the parent to ensure that children are growing up in a safe and supportive household.
When both parents can calmly communicate with each other and work together in the best interests of their children, it’s almost always a better outcome for all parties. Your attitude about the other parent can make a significant difference with the Court. If you feel the urge to vent about your situation online, take a deep breath, walk away from the computer, put your phone away, and completely avoid social media before your emotions get the best of you.
2. Messaging friends and family about your spouse or divorce on social media
While this may feel like a private conversation, remember that no online activity is ever truly secure. If the conversation gets into the wrong hands, screenshots can be valid evidence of you speaking negatively about your spouse and refusing to cooperate. Furthermore, there have been instances where people talk negatively about the judge or lawyers handling the case to their friends and family, which does not look good in the court of law.
We understand that you shouldn’t have to go through this alone and sometimes venting lets your frustration out so you can handle the situation with a clear mind. If you need a listening ear, do so in person with someone you trust.
3. Inappropriate comments and activities
Posting certain activities, such as serving alcohol during your child’s party, publishing pictures of you doing recreational drugs, or even leaving inappropriate comments on other people’s posts can impact your family law case in Calgary. Even though it’s not a direct post or comment about your spouse or separation, certain types of activities are seen as questionable by the Court.
Family law lawyers in Calgary are adept at providing clients with details about posts, pictures, and conversations to avoid online during a family legal battle. To summarize, try to limit what you share on social media, completely avoid posting anything about your spouse and separation, and stay as calm and collected as you can. Lastly, seek the help of a family lawyer in Calgary to help guide you through this trying time.
Disclaimer: The content provided in the blog posts of Jones Divorce & Family Law is general information and should not be considered legal advice. Please contact a lawyer for legal advice tailored to your specific situation. All articles are current as of their original publication date.
