These days, anyone with a social media profile is likely to make their family split public in some way. Even for those online participants who prefer to remain quiet about a divorce, information passes through images, tagging and posts in ways we cannot control. It is simply not easy to keep one’s family matters private anymore. That said, what are some of the implications of social media use amid a divorce?
Well, for one, social media posts may be used as evidence in issues like child custody. In fact, one study found that two-thirds of divorce cases use Facebook as a form of evidence. There are restrictions, of course. Evidence gathered may not be gathered illegally, as with any case, or another means like profile hacking.
However, that does not seem to be stopping divorcing parties from going to the digital public with information that was once kept closer to home. Recently, a decision was made on a Massachusetts divorce matter in which a father went to Facebook with his complaints about his ex-wife. Previously, a judge had banned the father from posting the divorce-related matters on social media.
While the banning was ultimately ruled unconstitutional, the family’s name is now—due to the historic nature of the ruling—in the New York Times. Additionally, such a ruling may have its consequences for children who may not be insulated from parent conflict on a public forum like Facebook; how might they perceive their parents from this platform?
If you are considering divorce, or are now facing one, and you have questions regarding Massachusetts family law, reach out to an experienced attorney.