Social Media: A Potential Minefield in Kentucky Family Law Cases

So many of us are glued to our phones these days, constantly scrolling through social media. But if you're in the middle of a divorce or a child custody battle in Kentucky, that seemingly harmless scroll could turn into a major headache.

 

You might think your Facebook posts or Instagram stories are private, but they can easily come back to haunt you in court. Pictures of you partying a little too hard? Those could be used to argue you're not a fit parent. Ranting about your ex? Not a good look. Even seemingly innocent posts can be taken out of context and used against you.

 

And let's not forget about texting. Those heated exchanges with your ex? They can easily escalate and be used as evidence of your behavior. Trust me, it's best to avoid those late-night text battles.

 

Think about your kids, too. They may be on social media themselves, and seeing their parents argue or post negative things about each other online can be really damaging. It can create unnecessary anxiety and make it harder for them to cope with the already stressful situation.

 

So, what can you do to minimize the damage?

• Hit the pause button on social media. Seriously, consider significantly limiting your online activity during your case. Delete those dating apps, resist the urge to post that witty comeback, and maybe even consider temporarily deactivating your accounts.
• Think before you post (or text). Ask yourself, "Would I want my lawyer to see this? Would I want the judge to see this?" If the answer is no, don't hit "send."
• Avoid communicating with your ex through social media or text. It's just too easy for things to get heated and for misunderstandings to arise. If you need to communicate, do it through your lawyer or another agreed-upon method, like a co-parenting app.
• Be mindful of your children's online activity. Talk to your kids about appropriate online behavior during this difficult time. Remind them to be respectful and avoid posting anything that could be hurtful or embarrassing.
• Clean up your digital footprint. Review your past posts and consider deleting anything that could be potentially damaging. This includes old photos, embarrassing comments, and anything that could be misconstrued.

Remember the mantra, "This is a marathon, not a sprint." Divorce and custody cases can be long and emotionally draining. By being mindful of your online activity, you can minimize the stress and potential damage caused by social media.

 

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice to any current or future client of Reed Law Group, PLC.