Your Facebook Posts Could Have an Impact on the Outcome of Your Divorce

The end of a long-term relationship can be emotionally difficult and can make people act in ways that may be out of character. Sometimes, people who are getting a divorce feel a newfound sense of freedom that allows them to pursue new social or romantic options. In other instances, a divorce can cause individuals to engage in emotional coping mechanisms such as substance abuse or overspending. While these are natural and human reactions to the end of a relationship, sharing this type of behavior on social media such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram could have a negative effect on the way that certain issues in your divorce are resolved. Some of the ways that social media posts could affect your divorce are detailed below.

Sharing on Social Media Could Affect Child Custody Determinations

Under Florida Law, the guiding principle that courts must follow when making child custody determinations is the “best interests of the child.” In figuring out what type of custody arrangement is in a child’s best interests, courts may consider any factor that they deem relevant. For this reason, social media posts that indicate that a person is engaging in behavior that the court believes could affect a person’s ability to be an effective parent could potentially be introduced as evidence in cases in which child custody is disputed.

Social Media Posts Could Have an Impact on Alimony Awards

Alimony, often also referred to as “spousal maintenance,” is awarded in cases in which one spouse has a financial need and the other has the ability to pay. It is used to ensure that spouses with less earning potential are not left without any financial resources after a divorce and to ensure that there is some parity in the standard of living enjoyed by each former spouse. Florida courts look to a number of factors when it comes to determining whether to award alimony, including the financial needs of each party. Social media posts that indicate significant spending or financial irresponsibility could have an impact on the way in which a court views the financial needs of a party seeking alimony. Consequently, it is critical for individuals who are seeking alimony to consider how their social media posts may look to others who are not familiar with their financial situation.

Call Alan R. Burton, Attorney at Law Today

If you are considering getting a divorce or have already started the process, you should retain an attorney as soon as possible. In addition to representing you in any legal proceedings that may occur, your lawyer will be able to negotiate with your spouse’s attorney and advise you as to actions you may be able to take to improve your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome with respect to alimony, child custody, or other issues that may be contested. To schedule a consultation with Boca Raton divorce attorney Alan R. Burton, call our office today at (954) 229-1660.