Social Media Can Affect a Divorce Case – Here’s How
A significant portion of the U.S. population uses social media platforms on a regular basis. Whether social media is being used for professional or personal reasons, many of us post updates or messages without a second thought for the implications a post may have. During a divorce case, an attorney could use a social media post as evidence in the case. The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers reports that nearly 80 percent of divorce lawyers use evidence from social media platforms in proceedings. Further, firms have historically used private investigators. With today’s technology and the rise in the use of social media, private investigators are now conducting social media private investigation. Even if someone updates their privacy settings, social media content and information can still be discovered. If you are contemplating filing for divorce or have been served with divorce papers, you need to be mindful of how social media use can impact your case. Discuss your case with a skilled divorce law attorney who can help you understand what your legal rights and responsibilities are. The experienced attorneys at the Knez Law Group, LLP can advocate on your behalf.
The Knez Law Group, LLP is a firm centered on proficient legal representation. With more than 50 years of collective legal experience, the firm has a reputation for tireless representation. If you are facing divorce and are worried about the ramifications of social media posts, consider contacting the Knez Law Group, LLP for support. A free initial consultation can be obtained by contacting the firm today.
Complications in Financial Disclosures
In the State of California, both parties in a divorce will need to submit a preliminary and final financial disclosure forms and documents. Financial disclosure forms serve to determine the most accurate asset division and it is very important that these disclosures are accurate and true.
Social media is often used to curate a persona. When a person is sharing posts or photos describing a very lavish lifestyle that is different from a submitted financial disclosure, the court could determine that this individual is hiding assets. In some cases, people can be found guilty of perjury if it is determined that they are in fact hiding assets. With the use of social media, it can be determined whether a person has a higher income than he or she is disclosing. Additionally, platforms such as LinkedIn can be scrutinized to check for discrepancies in claims of employment and business performance.
Post That Could Indicate Parental Neglect or Unfitness
Whether or not a person is posting for a humorous effect or with regard to a friend’s lifestyle, any social media post that expresses reckless behavior has the potential to jeopardize a child custody case. Making posts about being out all night, missing work, leaving children in the care of strangers can be detrimental in any child custody case. Even when it is just a post and the children are not being endangered, the court may consider the parent to be unfit to care for the health and safety of the children. For instance, a social media post may reveal someone’s whereabouts at a time they stated they were with their child during their custodial time.
Protect Your Interests with the Support of a Well-Versed Divorce Law Attorney
Making social media posts during divorce proceedings can give the other party an advantage in the case. If you are facing divorce and are unsure of how social media can affect your case, it is highly recommended that you get in contact with a well-versed divorce law attorney.
The Knez Law Group, LLP has successfully represented clients in the most contentious divorce cases in Southern California. For many of us, social media is a part of our everyday lives. Unfortunately, a single post can wreak havoc in a divorce case. To ensure your interests are protected through the divorce, consider obtaining the support of the Knez Law Group, LLP. Schedule a free initial consultation by contacting the firm today.
Matthew J. Knez graduated from the University of Redlands in California where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing. He went on to pursue his Law Degree at the University of LaVerne, College of Law in Ontario, California. While pursuing his law degree he earned various awards, including CALI Award in Torts and he was on the Dean’s List. Mr. Knez was also a member of the Justice and Immigration Clinic where he worked with people seeking asylum into the United States from countries where they had experienced persecution or threat of persecution. Additionally, Mr. Knez was a member of Law Review where he was an Associate Editor and published a Law Review article on California family custody move-away cases.