Parents getting divorced in California may be concerned about how their children will be impacted by the split. One of the biggest questions parents ask is in regards to child custody and how custody and visitation orders are determined. Every case is unique but there are some common factors judges consider when determining custody arrangements.
One of the biggest factors parents should be aware of is the impact of social media. Several other factors are also considered but social media continues to play a pivotal role in child custody cases in the country. Many parents may think their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts are just ways to express themselves or to help them stay connected. However, these sites also portray you as a parent and could potentially harm your custody case.
Parents should know that what they post online may be used as evidence in their child custody case. Your profile on Facebook, including any photos or comments, may be used to portray you as an unfit parent. Your photos on Instagram and what you post on Twitter can also portray you in a negative way.
What if you’ve already posted a negative comment about your ex or put a photo of you partying online? Most people would assume they should take the photo or post down, but attorneys actually say not to. If you delete something from your social media profile, it looks like you are trying to hide evidence and that could be just as bad.
Parents should know how social media may be used against them in their child custody case and make an effort to reduce or posting any kind of comments or photos that may harm their cases. Parents don’t need to stop using social media altogether during their divorce or during a child custody dispute, but it is best to watch what you post online to your online presence isn’t seen in a negative way.
Source: The Huffington Post, “The Divorce Mistakes You Don’t Even Know You’re Making,” Taryn Hillin, March 18, 2014