How Social Media Can Affect Children And Custody
Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites are regularly used by parents to share photographs and information about their children. Parents involved in divorce or custody cases should be extremely careful about what information they share publicly about their children.
How social media can hurt you in a child custody case
What you share on social media could cause conflict with the other parent and give them cause to use it against you in your case. You may have different ideas, for instance, about what types of activities are appropriate for the children or which people their children should spend time with on a regular basis.
You should assume that the other party might be able to see any information that you post on social media sites about you or about your children and act accordingly.
Can I use information I learn on social media in my favor?
If your spouse or ex-spouse reveals information on social media that you find troubling in regards to your children and your custody arrangement, speak with your attorney about what actions you have available to you. Even if the other parent did not break the law or violate your custody agreement, you may be able to use the information to seek a modification of your existing parenting plan.
Can my child’s social media accounts be used as evidence?
Many children have social media accounts of their own. Posts that a child makes on his or her Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter profiles, for instance, may also be relevant to a court proceeding.
Consider what your children might see on social media
Be aware that your children may be able to review what posts you have made on social media sites about the other parent and about your own lifestyle.
It is important to keep children out of the middle of conflict during a contested custody case. If you or your online contacts are posting negative information about the other parent, your children could be exposed to these negative comments. You should assume that online communications on social media sites may be seen by your children now or in the future.
Most parents take care to introduce a new romantic partner to their children at an appropriate time and in an appropriate manner. Assume that if you are posting photos and other information about a new romantic partner on social media sites that your children may be able to access and review that information. Take precautions on what information you share about dating and your new relationships until you are ready to discuss these issues with and share information with your children.
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"I knew I had a great team looking out for my best interest."My daughter is the sunshine of my life. I felt despair and a sense of helplessness on the day I was served. On the first appointment day when I arrived at the office and sat down with my lawyer, I knew I had made the right decision. From the beginning of my case to conclusion, I knew I had a great team looking out for my best interest (and the best interest of my child). Thank you McKinley Irvin!- Christine P.
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"Thanks for all the work for our family over the past year."Thanks for all the work for our family over the past year. We’re really glad you are on our side.- P.O.
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"I always felt my specific needs were very well represented and that I could count on David to be a trusted adviser."David remained very level headed and family focused throughout our proceedings. That said, I always felt my specific needs were very well represented and that I could count on David to be a trusted adviser during an otherwise difficult time.- T.M.
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"We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services."In our search for a reputable law firm to handle my sister’s divorce case, we explored our options until we found the McKinley Irvin law firm. McKinley Irvin has, through our experience, proven to be compassionate, understanding and patient during the long term process of my sister’s case. Due to her disabilities she needed more than the legalities and McKinley Irvin was able to provide their knowledge as well as the assurance to my sister that her case would be handled in her best interest. We cannot begin to express our gratitude for all that the McKinley Irvin law firm has done for us. We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services.- P.M.
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"I cannot imagine two people better able to represent me."Without David and Sam, there is no way I could have made it through this exceptionally difficult time in my life. I cannot imagine two people better able to represent me, nor a better firm to handle my affairs. You all have been wonderful!- M.L.
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"My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up."My attorney was very good in and out of the courtroom. Always kept me up to date on any issues that came up and was very knowledgeable on custody issues.- R.R.
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"You all stood by me no matter how trying my case got. I always felt at ease knowing that you were there to guide me through this."I would like to give my sincere appreciation to Jennifer Payseno and staff. You all stood by me no matter how trying my case got. I always felt at ease knowing that you were there to guide me through this most difficult time. Thank you for not only being my attorney but becoming part of our extended family.- M.F.
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