Family law and Facebook

In this era of social networking websites such as Facebook and My Space, you can find out just about anything about anyone. You can find out their likes and dislikes, their friends, and what they like to do socially. Often, you can even see pictures to give you a snapshot into a particular person’s life. In general, if you value your privacy, you should be careful of what you post on these social networking sites. If you are involved in a family law case, you should be even more careful. Anything you post can, and likely will, be seen by the opposing party in your case and his/her attorney. If possible, this information will be used against you in your case. For example, if you are going through a divorce and are attempting to gain custody of your children, photos of you habitually drinking could be used against you to show that you are an unfit parent. If you are claiming you have no money to pay child support, photos of you with expensive cars, clothes,or jewelry, or on luxury vacations, will likely hinder your success in your case. It is best to assume that anything you post online will be seen by your adversary and act (and post!)accordingly.