Separation and Social Media

Some time ago, The New York Times reported on the results of a study of teenagers. The study focused on teenagers’ texting habits and their reactions to being interrupted. Unfortunately, the results are not that surprising, are they? Many such studies, with similar results, have been conducted since then. You will find the article here: New York Times article about texting teenagers

Your teenagers are affected by today's widespread use of electronic media and so are your pre-teens, other family members, friends, co-workers, employers, service-providers and leaders.

Every aspect of North American lives is affected by social media today.  Look, we are here today, on this Group’s Page! Separation and divorce are no different.

Many a separation has been precipitated by someone's discovery of a Facebook post, a text, a tweet or some other form of electronic communication suggesting that that their partner/spouse is part of an extra-marital relationship.

It is surprising to learn how many adults continue to believe their social media posts are private or at least limited to the audience they think they are picking for them. In many instances, that is not the case.

Several years ago we were involved in a case in which a separation agreement allowed for a reduction of spousal support payments in the event the other spouse cohabited with another person. In resisting our client's request for a reduction in support payments, the former wife insisted she was not cohabiting and not even dating. Her entirely unprotected Facebook page suggested otherwise. She marked herself as being "In a Relationship" and she posted numerous photos of her new home with her new spouse. The Court took this evidence into account in reducing the amount of spousal support payable by our client.

Beware of careless posting. Social media communications ARE vulnerable to becoming evidence before the Court.

©AJJakubowska