Family Law’s Relationship with Facebook

Family Solicitors are finding that their clients are using social media to talk about, or ‘bad mouth’ their ex-partners. It may be done in the heat of the moment or without much thought but these types of actions can have lasting consequences.

Please keep in mind, that if you have a Family Law case that is going to be heard in court, do not post anything associated with it on Facebook or any other social media platform. Do not use the opportunity to be derogatory about your ex-partner or show off about being in a new relationship because if you lie and tell the Judge you are a single parent – you will get found out.

It is also very important to remember that you cannot use social media posts written by your ex-partner as evidence because if you are suspected of seeking out defamatory information the Court will look upon you unfavourably. You want to maintain maximum creditability and ‘snooping’ via social media will not present you in the best light.

You are likely to be asked about your own social media accounts in the preparation for a court case. You are not allowed to delete your account during proceedings as this is classed as destroying evidence. Rather than getting caught out it is simply better not to have involved yourself in the first place.

We are used to being in a world where information is constantly being shared and refreshed but you must remember it is not always appropriate. Content on social media is often posted without content and is therefore open to interpretation.

If you need expert advice from our Family Law Solicitors please contact Alistair Dobson at our Market Harborough branch on 01858 445 480, James Haworth at our Leicester office on 0116 212 1000 or Sarah Townsend in Wigston on 0116 212 1080.

 

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