Social media is a huge part of most people’s daily lives. From interacting with family to meeting new friends and doing business, there is no limit to what you can do on social media – as long as it is legal, of course.
However, if you are dealing with a legal matter like a child custody negotiation or dispute, it is important that you are mindful of your social media activity. And there is one simple reason for this: your social posts are admissible in court.
Social media and custody/parenting time
Your social media activity can impact the outcome of your child custody case. For instance, posting negative stuff about your co-parent can amount to parental alienation. And this has consequences. Posting disparaging material about your co-parent on social media can cast doubt on your ability to put your child’s best interests above your own and co-parent with your ex. Consequently, this might persuade the court to grant primary custody to the other parent. And if you persist in disparaging your ex online, you might lose parenting time rights too.
Social media and child support
When crafting a custody arrangement, the court will often also direct one parent to pay child support. To arrive at a child support amount, the court may rely on evidence from your social media activity. Your social media posts can give the court an idea of what you are capable of paying in child support.
Staying online during your divorce
The best way to avoid hurting your custody case is to avoid social media altogether during your custody case. Even after settling your custody case, avoid posting anything illegal or negative. Also, avoid posting your love life online. These decisions can come back to haunt you if you ever need to modify your child custody order.