Social Media and Family Law

It important to recognize that online information can greatly assist your matter (gathering evidence etc.), but it can also be used against you. You must remember the following **:

 

1. Although there are privacy settings on social media sites, there are no real secrets on these sites.  It is important to limit the information on the site and to increase your privacy settings;

2. Some people do not realize that everything they say and do on Facebook or any other social media site, ” can and will be used against them in a court of law”.  “Don’t be stupid on social media”.  Comments or photos online can be used to show poor parenting, lack of judgment, capacity to work, substance abuse, etc.  It is important to be very discreet in your online presence at all times;

3. Dont communicate with your lawyer on Facebook or Twitter etc.  You cannot assume that these messages are private.  It is always best to open a new email account that you will use only to communicate with your lawyer;

4.Electronic Stored Evidence, including posts on social networking sites, can be relevant in family law matters.  A client must realize that he/she cannot delete relevant documentation or they may be found to be destroying evidence;

We live in a new world.  Information is very accessible.   It is important to remember that anything you “say or do can and will be used against you in a court of law”.

A family law attorney should be able to answer any questions you may have. The Toronto divorce lawyers at Fine & Associates are well experienced and are here to help you through your trials.

 

** – “Nine Rules to help family law clients and their lawyers avoide social media dangers” – Dan Pnnington