Be Smart With Social Media During Divorce

Even if a couple parts under friendly circumstances, divorce is often difficult and frustrating. Handling all aspects of divorce in New York, our attorneys often see the effects of electronic communication on the cases of our clients. Too often, spouses do not realize the impact of an email or Facebook posting on the eventual outcome of their divorce. Here are a few examples:

• A divorcing spouse is tagged in photographs on Facebook with a new partner. While the married couple may be separated, they are not divorced. The presence of a new romantic interest can sour productive divorce negotiations or fuel a bitter divorce or custodial matter.
• When separating assets, the mention of a new job, bonus or a pay raise may make it back to your partner for use during discussions about portioning assets and debt.
• Fraudulent information posted on dating websites can undo your credibility in family court. Failing to mention you are married or have children, or misreporting your income, can be used against you during a divorce matter.

These points are mirrored by a survey by the American Association of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). More than 60 percent of AAML attorneys mentioned Match.com as a leading source of evidence in divorce cases.

Consider staying off Facebook during your divorce and keep email conversations with good friends to a minimum. Anything you post is out there forever. While there is no need to cut yourself off from friends, think about the value — and the privacy — of meeting in person or speaking on the telephone.

When you have questions about divorce in Long Island, Suffolk County or Nassau County, seek skilled legal advice from one of Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia’s family law attorneys.