Skip to content
In the past, staying informed about the world meant picking up a newspaper and reading about the previous day’s events. For many, it was a routine—whether flipping through the sports section of the Houston Chronicle or reading the latest headlines at the breakfast table. However, in today’s digital age, social media has dramatically changed how we share and consume information, including personal matters. In the context of Texas divorce and child custody cases, social media can have a significant impact.
Times have changed even in the past decade with the widespread use of social media. People will always want to learn more and have access to more information, and social media taps into that desire. Instead of having to wait hours to get an update on a news event or whatever piques your interest, social media allows for almost instantaneous reporting and analysis of current events both around the world and in your backyard.
These events are not just noteworthy headlines we see on the evening news. They can also be harmless updates about the lives of our friends and families. We all know someone who we’d classify as an “over-sharer” on social media.
Instead of keeping things private, this person broadcasts every detail of their life—both good and bad—to the world. We can debate why people do this, but regardless of their reasons, we can all agree that it happens.
Divorce in the era of social media
This introduction to social media brings us to the meat and potatoes of what I would like to discuss with you all today, on behalf of the attorneys with the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC. So much of a divorce case is spent, for better or worse, attempting to get the upper hand on your spouse when it comes to the relevant issues of your case.
I can’t tell you how many times a client has walked into our office with a “juicy” bit of information. They believe this will turn the case completely in their favor. However, when I dig a little deeper, it turns out that the information is just that—information.
There is no evidence of wrongdoing or any act that could sway their spouse to a favorable settlement.
Social media provides the kind of detailed evidence that attorneys love. Most platforms allow for precise dating of posts. This helps you know exactly where someone is—or isn’t—and who they are spending time with. If you need evidence, social media can be a goldmine for gathering fresh material for the courtroom or negotiations.
What can social media posts be utilized for in the context of your divorce? Read on to find out more.
Issues related to your child
In child custody cases primarily, parents will utilize social media posts to attempt to show that the other parent is not doing what they are supposed to be doing as far as parenting is concerned. Late-night posts from dance clubs, bars, and other adult locations on weekends where they have your child can be used as evidence to restrict visitation and access or to flip primary conservatorship over to you.
I have seen situations where a parent has posted photos of guns, drugs, or other items on social media. As a result, a judge has severely restricted visitation and access for that parent. Remember, a judge must always decide based on the best interests of the child. Therefore, removing the child from an environment where physical harm could occur is the most reasonable way to protect their well-being.
Proving grounds for divorce
Most folks know that you can get divorced in Texas for any reason under the sun.
However, if you are attempting to prove that your spouse’s cheating on you has caused you to file for divorce, social media posts showing them romantically with another person can go a long way towards aiding your attempts to prove a specific fault grounds for divorce.
Hence, if there is a significant community estate at stake, any evidence that can be used to assist your case will be highly sought after. A higher percentage of the community estate and a change in the amount of spousal support awarded can be the consequence of having your infidelity exposed to the court via social media posts.
Social media as a way to detail your income
If you tell a court that your child support obligation needs to be decreased, but you are parading a new car or another item around on social media, your chances of winning your case have diminished significantly.
Nobody would be shocked to learn that people present different personas in the courthouse versus those away from the judge. With that said, if you are intent on proving that your income has decreased, you ought to watch out for what you post online.
In conclusion, the influence of social media on a Texas divorce and child custody case can be profound. What you post online may become evidence that could impact the outcome of your case, whether it’s regarding asset division, parenting capabilities, or your overall credibility. It’s essential to be mindful of your online presence and how it could affect the legal process. Working with an experienced attorney can help you navigate these complexities and ensure that your social media activity doesn’t unintentionally harm your Texas divorce or child custody case.
Questions on the impact of social media on family law cases? Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, today.
To learn more about our office and our services to clients, please do not hesitate to contact us today. A free-of-charge consultation with one of our licensed family law attorneys is available six days a week. We represent clients across southeast Texas, and we would be honored to speak to you about your case and answer any questions you may have.
Free Texas Divorce E-Book: 13 Dirty Tricks & Social Media TipseBooks
If you want to know more about what you can do, CLICK the button below to get your FREE E-book:
Other Articles you may be interested in:
- Social Media Best Practices During a Divorce: Consider the Risks
- Social media evidence can influence divorce negotiations
- Social media can be a helpful tool in your divorce
- Can I sue my spouse’s mistress in Texas?
- My Spouse Has Accused Me of Adultery in my Texas Divorce, and I Haven’t
- When is Cheating Considered Adultery in a Texas Divorce?
- Sex, Lies, Rock-and-roll, and Adultery in a Texas Divorce
- Can I Sue My Spouse for Mental Abuse in My Texas Divorce?
- Six Things You Need to Know Before You File for Divorce in Texas
- Texas Divorce Morality Clause: Be Careful What You Ask For
- What Does Insupportability or No-Fault in a Texas Divorce Mean?
Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC | Spring, Texas Divorce Lawyers
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, routinely handles matters that affect children and families. If you have questions regarding divorce, it’s essential to speak with one of our Spring, TX Divorce Lawyers right away to protect your rights.
Our divorce lawyers in Spring, TX, are skilled at listening to your goals during this trying process and developing a strategy to meet those goals. Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC by calling (281) 810-9760 or submit your contact information in our online form.
