Know the Risks of Using Social Media During a Custody Case
For many people, social media is an important part of their lives. Sharing events, news, and other reports is an essential way for communicating details about our lives. In some situations, however, such as a custody dispute, social media posts may provide too much information, which actually could harm your legal position in the case. To avoid making a serious mistake, be cautious about where, what, and how you post on social media about concerns relating to custody of your child and related matters.
Social Media Risks in a Custody Case
Nevada courts apply specific legal standards to determine what is in the best interest of a child in resolving a custody disagreement. The court and parties look at all available evidence that may indicate issues that exist in a custody case, including social media posts, emails, and texts, of the biological parents and other parties.
For example, social media posts may disclose anger issues of one of the parents, either toward the other parent, the court, the child, or another person who is involved in the proceeding. The evidence does not need to be overt and can even be subtle. It may be sufficient to warrant further inquiry concerning potential issues in the case. Social media that shows a high level of conflict between the parents can be particularly problematic. The best interest standards include a comprehensive list of types of issues that create issues in a custody case.
How to Avoid Social Media Issues in a Custody Case
There are a few rules you can follow to help avoid custody conflicts arising from social media. First, assume that everyone reads everything you post on social media. The best approach is to avoid posting anything at all on social media about your child, the custody case, or issues concerning the case or the court.
Do not ever post in anger or respond in kind to angry posts of the other parent. Take time to breathe and reflect on the circumstances, including potential ramifications of any response you consider. In some cases, talking to your custody lawyer before posting any response is the best approach you can take. Your lawyer can help you take a reasonable approach that does not escalate the situation.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Las Vegas Child Custody Lawyer
Experienced Las Vegas custody lawyer Joseph Gersten helps clients with all types of family law matters, including child custody. He approaches every case with compassion and dedication to protecting the interests and rights of the client. We encourage you to take the time to talk with us without a charge or obligation if you have concerns about child custody issues.
The Gersten Law Firm serves clients in Las Vegas, Henderson, and elsewhere in Clark County. Call us at 702.857.8777 or complete our online form to schedule an appointment.
