What is the Impact of Social Media on North Carolina Family Law Cases?

At Waple & Houk, PLLC, our Charlotte family law attorneys know social media has become a significant factor in North Carolina family law cases. The impact can profoundly influence various aspects of their legal proceedings and our clients’ futures.

Here, we discuss how social media affects family law cases in North Carolina.

How Social Media Can Negatively Impact Your North Carolina Family Law Case

Individuals involved in family law cases must exercise caution and discretion when using social media. Being mindful of what is posted online and understanding the potential legal consequences can help mitigate the impact of social media on family law matters in North Carolina.

This may include family law cases involving:

• Divorce

Social media posts, messages, photos, and videos can be used as evidence in divorce cases.

For example, posts showing a party engaging in questionable behavior, spending habits, or interactions with a new partner may be presented in court to support or challenge alimony, property division, or child custody claims.

• Child Custody and Visitation Disputes

Social media content can be scrutinized in child custody cases.

A parent’s behavior, lifestyle, or choices displayed on social media may be used to argue that they are unfit or that their actions are not in the child’s best interests.

• Allegations of Infidelity

Social media can play a role in cases involving allegations of infidelity. Suspicious posts, messages, or photos may be presented as evidence to support claims of marital misconduct, which can impact alimony and property division decisions.

• Violation of Court Orders

Social media posts may inadvertently violate court orders. For instance, posting about a new relationship when there are restrictions on introducing new partners to children could lead to legal consequences.

• Impact on Reputation

Social media content can influence the perception of individuals involved in family law cases. Judges may consider how parties present themselves online when deciding about child custody, visitation, and other matters.

• Harassment and Threats

Social media can be a platform for harassment or threats between parties involved in family law disputes. In extreme cases, evidence of threatening or harassing behavior on social media may be used to obtain protective orders.

• Parental Alienation Claims

Social media can play a role in parental alienation claims. Posts or messages that attempt to turn a child against the other parent may be presented as evidence in court.

• Third-Party Involvement

Social media can reveal the involvement of third parties, like new romantic partners, friends, or family members, which may be relevant to specific family law issues.

• Documenting Communication

Social media can be used to document communication between parties. These disputes do not necessarily have to be between the parties getting divorced or fighting for custody of their kids. Information shared with others, including friends and extended family, can be saved as screenshots, even if you delete it later and use it as evidence against you.

It’s crucial for individuals going through family law cases to be mindful of their privacy settings on social media. Failure to adequately secure accounts may result in opposing parties accessing and using private information against them. In fact, the best course of action is to assume anything you say on social media will be used against you and to deactivate all accounts until the family law matter is behind you.

Contact Our Experienced Family Law Attorneys in Charlotte, North Carolina Today

If you have questions about divorce, child custody, and child support in North Carolina and how your case may have already been impacted by social media posts, contact our dedicated family law attorney in Charlotte today at (704)-954-8697 or schedule a free consultation online to learn more about how we can help you pursue the best outcome for your unique circumstances.