It’s impossible to argue with the fact that the use of social media sites like Facebook and Twitter has skyrocketed over the past several years. More individuals than ever are using these sites as public outlets for their anger, to share their happiness, and to communicate with others, especially during emotional times in their lives like during a divorce. What many people don’t realize is that what they post on these sites can potentially interfere with their divorce settlement. Through practicing family law in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the surrounding counties, the attorneys at Miller Cushing Holladay have seen the use of evidence obtained from social media sites become prevalent in divorce proceedings. Seemingly innocent status updates, tweets, and pictures can be utilized to change the outcome of child custody, visitation, alimony, and (in states that recognize the claims) alienation of affection and criminal conversation cases.
While going through the divorce process, it is helpful to consult a North Carolina family law attorney with regards to what actions can help or hurt your divorce case. A family law attorney can help you see the bigger picture so that your seemingly innocent interactions on social media sites do not impair your rights with regards to child custody and alimony.
Take a moment to consider how each update could be seen by someone outside of the situation. Does the picture of you drinking or at a party on a day you have custody demonstrate that you do not have your child’s best interest in mind? Could your status updates, location check-ins, or messages to third parties be an indication of cheating or adultery? For example, if you are trying to convince the Court or your spouse that a specific person is not your girlfriend or boyfriend, multiple pictures or location check-ins of the two of you together certainly will not help your cause. While it is not always necessary to stop the use of social media sites entirely, using good judgment both during and after the divorce process can alleviate unnecessary setbacks in your case.
These considerations, along with many others, are important to discuss with a qualified North Carolina licensed attorney. Our focused practice areas include premarital and prenuptial agreements, divorce, annulment, separation agreements, equitable distribution (property division arising from divorce), child custody, child support, alimony, post separation support, mediation, alienation of affection, criminal conversation, wills, living wills, healthcare power of attorneys, stepparent adoption, non-stepparent adoption, domestic violence, and civil no-contact cases.
If you are facing any of these issues, Miller Bowles would be honored to meet with you to discuss your rights. Each case is unique, and each attorney’s strategic approach to each case is equally as unique. It is understood that some people are not comfortable with the idea of going to Court, and other people want the opportunity to tell their story to a Judge as quickly as possible.
Once a client of Miller Cushing Holladay, your case will be assigned to one primary attorney, and to a legal team that will assist with all aspects of your case. Your case will not be shifted around or handed off. It is the goal of Miller Cushing Holladay to provide you with the personal support and timely feedback you deserve throughout the duration of your case. Each of the attorneys and staff members at Miller Cushing Holladay understands the importance of the outcome of your case. Your concerns are not only legal ones, but also personal ones that will affect your life for years to come. Ultimately you must trust your attorney, as well as the legal team working on your case.