Social Media And Digital Communications In Michigan Divorces

Like most people, you probably have social media accounts, such as Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat. You may also use the messaging features of those accounts to talk to friends, family, and co-workers. Maybe you belong to support groups or common interest groups or email regularly. Digital communication can be your lifeline during difficult times. However, during a divorce or custody dispute, your online life can be a weapon used against you during the case. If you, or a loved one, are considering separating from or divorcing a spouse, understanding the potential consequences of your online presence becomes imperative. Consulting with an experienced Michigan divorce attorney as soon as possible can help you assess your online presence before it becomes evidence in your case.

Your Words As Evidence

Michigan divorce attorneys will look to discover every bit of an opponent’s online presence and digital communications. Every photograph, comment, like, and even chat can become evidence – even posts you’ve deleted. Setting your profiles to private can help, but even that does not guarantee they will not be discovered. When spouses divorce, every word or action becomes possible ammunition for their desired outcome. An experienced attorney can guide you on how your own words or pictures can work for or against you in a divorce or custody case.

Why Does It Matter?

When the contentious topics of custody, visitation, and child support or alimony, among others, arise during divorce and post-divorce proceedings, parties often resort to accusations designed to put the opponent on the defensive. Frequently, a judge will be asked to decide issues such as the fitness of a parent or financial status, both areas where online words or actions can be used to undermine a party’s position. References to drug or alcohol use, behavior that can be considered unsafe for a minor, evidence that contradicts assertions in court, or posts badmouthing the other party can all be leverage against you.

Custody And Visitation

When it comes to a custody battle, every nuance of your life is subject to scrutiny. The innocent picture of you and your friends out and enjoying a drink, the status post you make on Facebook about how awful you think your spouse is acting, the joking references to needing a beer or a shot, the meme you reposted about mental health or politics, each one can be used to paint a negative picture of you by the opposing attorney.

Financial Status

The fight over money rivals custody battles in many divorce cases. Parties will often try to hide resources or paint a sympathetic picture to the court to obtain a more favorable financial distribution. Your digital footprint can reveal more than you want opposing counsel to see. Your social media posts can unwittingly expose expensive purchases, vacations, investments, promotions, and more. Posts, emails, and messenger communications discussing the divorce proceedings and financial issues can be obtained and used against you in court or mediation.

Divorce Lawyer In Michigan

Whether you are considering filing for divorce, are already involved in a divorce proceeding, or have specific custody or financial issues to address, you should retain an experienced attorney. Law Offices of Ravi R. Gurumurthy, PLC will educate you on how your social media presence, online profiles, and digital communications can impact you and expertly guide you throughout the court proceedings. Call Law Offices of Ravi R. Gurumurthy, PLC at (231) 577-1580 or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation.