How Social Media Can Impact Your Loudoun County Family Court Case
Scrolling through posts and sharing on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok is a popular hobby. It provides a way to keep in touch with family and friends, stay on top of the latest trends, or even promote a business. Unfortunately, as it has become increasingly popular, there are some legal ramifications. Find out how your posts could impact your Loudoun County family court case and ways to protect yourself.
Information On Social Media That Can Be Used Against You In Court
According to a 2023 Claims Journal report, social media is increasingly used in legal claims and is one of the first places investigators look when reviewing personal injury cases. Information available on your social media platforms can be easily obtained and is often valued by insurers, as well as by legal professionals representing clients in court.
If you are involved in family court proceedings in Loudoun County, it is important to be aware of the potential risks. Information available via social media that can be used against you in divorce, marital property division, alimony, child custody, and other matters include:
- Details gleaned about your finances or spending, which could impact your rights to marital property and alimony or other payments;
- Personal information pertaining to your lifestyle and social activities, which could be used against you when negotiating child custody in Virginia;
- Posts and pictures documenting affairs or other types of marital misconduct, which can be used to reduce the amount you are entitled to in your divorce settlement;
- Rants and negative comments about your spouse or the situation, which could make divorce negotiations more difficult and reflect poorly on you in court.
Protecting Yourself On Social Media When Involved In Loudoun County Family Court Matters
Legal matters dealt with through the Loudoun County Family Court are among the most sensitive and potentially contentious. It is important to be aware that your social media posts can negatively impact your case. The best bet is to temporarily disable all accounts until your legal issues are successfully resolved. If this is not an option, consider at least taking the following precautions:
- Go to settings and mark your social media accounts as private;
- Restrict friends or others from tagging you in comments, posts, or videos;
- Refuse friend requests from people you do not know;
- Avoid posting about your legal situation;
- Be aware of how even seemingly innocent posts you make could potentially be twisted and used against you in the family court.
Contact Our Office and Request A Consultation With Our Loudoun County Family Attorney
Family court cases deal with sensitive matters, and the outcome could negatively impact your rights for years to come. At Schwartz Kalina, PLLC, we provide the caring support and strong, experienced legal representation you need to protect your rights throughout the process. To discuss your particular family court case and how we can help, call or contact us online and request a consultation with our Loudoun County family attorney today.
Sources:
claimsjournal.com/news/national/2023/08/17/318768.htm
vacourts.gov/courts/jdr/loudoun/home.html