With the ever-increasing use of social media platforms, the impact of social media on various aspects of our lives has become more evident than ever before. One aspect where social media platforms have had a profound impact is on divorce cases. As a result, the courts have been forced to adapt to the evolving social media landscape to ensure that justice is served and that due process is followed. In this article, we will explore the impact of social media on North Carolina divorce cases.
Social Media and the Discovery Process
One of the significant ways social media platforms have impacted divorce cases in North Carolina is through the discovery process. Through social media, spouses can gather evidence that can be used in divorce proceedings. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat have become virtual treasure troves for attorneys searching for evidence of infidelity, hidden assets, or irresponsible behavior.
Evidence of Infidelity
North Carolina is one of the few states that recognize alienation of affections and criminal conversation as legal claims in divorce proceedings. Alienation of affections is a claim filed by a spouse against a third party who they allege to have caused the breakdown of their marriage. Criminal conversation is a civil claim filed by a spouse against a third party who has engaged in sexual intercourse with their spouse while they were still married. Social media platforms have made it easier to prove these claims by providing evidence of the cheating spouse’s affair.
Hidden Assets
Another area where social media platforms have had an impact on North Carolina divorce cases is in uncovering hidden assets. Through social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram, spouses may disclose assets that they have not declared during the divorce proceedings. For instance, a spouse may post pictures of their lavish vacation, luxury car, or their expensive jewelry, which contradicts the financial information they have submitted to the court.
Irresponsible Behavior
Social media platforms have also made it easier for a spouse to provide evidence of irresponsible behavior during divorce proceedings. For example, if a spouse claims that their partner is an alcoholic, but they have social media posts of them drinking and partying, that evidence may be used to challenge the other spouse’s claim.
Social Media and Child Custody Cases
Social media platforms have also affected child custody cases in North Carolina. Parents who post harmful content on social media may compromise their ability to maintain custody of their children. Social media posts that may be considered harmful include:
- Posts that contain inappropriate content such as sexual content, violence, or profanity.
- Posts that show a parent engaging in irresponsible behavior such as drug or alcohol abuse.
- Posts that show a parent using their children as a weapon against their partner.
Protecting Yourself During Divorce Proceedings
With the ever-increasing impact of social media on North Carolina divorce cases, it is essential to take steps to protect yourself during divorce proceedings. Here are a few tips to help you protect your online presence during the divorce process:
- Review your social media accounts and remove any harmful or negative content.
- Do not post anything negative about your spouse or the divorce proceedings.
- Adjust your privacy settings to limit access to your content.
- Be mindful of who you accept friend requests from, as their posts may affect your divorce proceedings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, social media has significantly impacted North Carolina divorce cases. From the discovery process to child custody cases, social media has provided ample evidence for divorce attorneys to build their cases. As such, it is crucial to be mindful of your online presence during divorce proceedings, as it may affect the outcome of your case. In the end, it is essential to work with an experienced divorce attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of divorce proceedings in the digital age.