Social media is taking over our lives. We just can’t stay away from it. We’re either endlessly scrolling through our feed to try and stay updated on the lives of our relatives and friends or we’re trying to impress by posting our own stories.
Social media has become a window for others to peek into our lives. And depending on how you look at it, it can either be beneficial or destructive. Social media enables us to connect with others and share our lives with the world, and that’s precisely why it can be harmful for a custody case.
How social media can harm a custody case
A custody case is very sensitive in nature. The courts will be looking at every aspect of a parent’s life to determine if he or she is best suited to take care of the children. They judge the parents according to the child’s best interest. Things like the parent’s job, personality, friends, lifestyle, etc. will all be considered.
Social media can be a destructive force in a custody case, especially if you are not careful. It’s worth noting that the courts will look at social media posts too, while deciding on custody matters. So there are things that a parent should NOT do on social media while in the middle of a custody case.
The number one thing parents should not do on social media during a custody case
There are quite a number of things that parents in the middle of a custody battle should avoid posting about on social media. But generally, they should not post anything that can put their decision-making capabilities into question.
The opposing party can put simple things like having a drink with friends in a bad light, which will hurt a parent’s chance of getting custody. Some courts are strict about posting pictures of kids on social media, since different partners may have different opinions about it.
Anything that can put a person’s decision-making ability into question should be avoided.
What parents should do instead
Less is more when it comes to social media during a custody case. Parents should assume that everything they post online is going to be seen by everyone in the courtroom. That includes the judge, the other party’s counsel, the CFI, PRE, or third party professionals.
Even the slightest things posted online can be used against someone in a sensitive and heated custody battle. Parents should post as little as possible on social media while the custody case is underway.