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Is your social media presence a hindrance to your custody case?

On Behalf of | Sep 22, 2017 | Legal Decision Making And Parenting Time |

If you are litigating a contested custody matter — or even just a particularly nasty divorce — how your electronic data is managed during the process can have a significant impact on your case.

Divorce is an adversarial action, which means that your soon-to-be ex may be looking for some salacious ammo to lob at you during your divorce proceedings. Don’t provide fodder for him or her through your presence on social media. Use the following tips to safeguard your private electronic data and protect your parenting rights.

Here are three tips on how to safeguard and handle your electronic data and information during divorce.

  • Think twice about what you post online. Social media is great for reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones, but remember that anything that you share or post online can be used to attack your character in a custody battle. Even something as innocuous at checking into certain venues can be construed to make you appear to be a party animal or worse.
  • Consider locking down your account for the duration of the divorce proceedings. At the very least, change all online passwords and close shared email or social media accounts. Don’t put your profile up on dating sites your ex or his attorney might access.
  • Watch what you delete. Two words: screen shot. If you delete provocative posts and deny their existence, all it takes is a screenshot to exposure your lie.

Remember that when a divorce or custody matter is pending, it is much easier to avoid a fiasco than to clean up after one. Your Phoenix family law attorney can provide additional guidance in these matters.

Source: Findlaw, “3 Tips for Handling Electronic Data During Divorce,” George Khoury, Esq., accessed Sep. 22, 2017