Your Facebook Posts Could Have an Impact on the Outcome of Your Divorce

Alan R. Burton Attorney at Law — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 21:26:45 GMT

The end of a long-term relationship can be emotionally difficult and can make people act in ways that may be out of character. Sometimes, people who are getting a divorce feel a newfound sense of freedom that allows them to pursue new social or romantic options. In other instances, a divorce can cause individuals to engage in emotional coping mechanisms such as substance abuse or overspending. While these are natural and human reactions to the end of a relationship, sharing this type of behavior on social media such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram could have a negative effect on the way that certain issues in your divorce are resolved. Some of the ways that social media posts could affect your divorce are detailed below.

Under Florida Law, the guiding principle that courts must follow when making child custody determinations is the “best interests of the child.” In figuring out what type of custody arrangement is in a child’s best interests, courts may consider any factor that they deem relevant. For this reason, social media posts that indicate that a person is engaging in behavior that the court believes could affect a person’s ability to be an effective parent could potentially be introduced as evidence in cases in which child custody is disputed.

Social Media Posts Could Have an Impact on Alimony Awards

Alimony, often also referred to as “spousal maintenance,” is awarded in cases in which one spouse has a financial need and the other has the ability to pay. It is used to ensure that spouses with less earning potential are not left without any financial resources after a divorce and to ensure that there is some parity in the standard of living enjoyed by each former spouse. Florida courts look to a number of factors when it comes to determining whether to award alimony, including the financial needs of each party. Social media posts that indicate significant spending or financial irresponsibility could have an impact on the way in which a court views the financial needs of a party seeking alimony. Consequently, it is critical for individuals who are seeking alimony to consider how their social media posts may look to others who are not familiar with their financial situation.

Call Alan R. Burton, Attorney at Law Today

If you are considering getting a divorce or have already started the process, you should retain an attorney as soon as possible. In addition to representing you in any legal proceedings that may occur, your lawyer will be able to negotiate with your spouse’s attorney and advise you as to actions you may be able to take to improve your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome with respect to alimony, child custody, or other issues that may be contested. To schedule a consultation with Boca Raton divorce attorney Alan R. Burton, call our office today at (954) 229-1660.

Steps to Take if Divorce Seems Imminent

Alan R. Burton Attorney at Law — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 14:53:40 GMT

If you have decided to file for divorce or if your spouse plans to file soon, there are some steps you can take to not only make the process easier but also to protect your interests as much as possible. The following are only some examples of things you can do to improve your situation in this emotionally difficult time.

Get Your Finances Organized

If you get divorced, you will be on your own financially, whether or not you worked during your marriage. If you are awarded spousal support, it may likely only be for a limited amount of time. It is always wise to take inventory of your financial situation, including your income, debts, assets, and more to understand how much you will need to support yourself. If you are moving out, you will need to have a budget to know how much you will have to earn to cover all of your new bills and expenses on your own. Additionally, gathering and copying financial documents will make it easier when you have to present them during your divorce.

Have a Place to Stay

If you and your spouse are still living together, be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. When divorce is looming, emotions can run high and you need to have a plan if you must leave the house in a hurry. Have an overnight bag ready for you and your children, if necessary, as well as a safe place to go.

Design a Plan for the Children

If you are separating, you and your spouse should have a plan to tell the children about your breakup and to make the change as easy as possible for them. Coordinate schedules and determine what steps need to be taken to limit the negative effects on your children. Work out a visitation and custody plan if it is possible to agree. Having a plan will make designing your parenting plan in divorce that much easier.

Stay off Social Media

Anyone getting divorced should avoid being active on social media profiles as much as possible. You should never put down your spouse or air your grievances on social media, as it will get back to them and make the situation more contentious than it already may be. Additionally, if you post information or photos of you having a good time, they may be interpreted as insensitive or proof that you are making irresponsible decisions. For example, a picture of you having a glass of wine with a coworker of the opposite sex may be used to insinuate that you are drinking too much and dating around. It is always wise to simply resist the urge to post on your accounts until the divorce is final.

Hire an Experienced Divorce Attorney

If you are getting divorce, it is imperative to have an experienced Boca Raton divorce lawyer handling your case, providing valuable advice, and protecting your best interests. Please do not hesitate to call the law office of Alan R. Burton today at (954) 229-1660 today.

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