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4 Ways Social Media Can Kill Your Lawsuit

4 Ways Social Media Can Kill Your Lawsuit

To you, it may just be a simple status update, a 140-character snapshot of your life, but if you’re not careful, it can put the nail in the coffin of your lawsuit.

Whether you are in the middle of a divorce, a lease dispute, or an auto accident claim, what you post on social media can and will be used against you in a court of law. Complete privacy on social media is a myth. No matter what your privacy settings are, someone can likely gain information about you that could ruin your chances of a successful outcome in court.

Here are 4 ways social media can hurt your court case:

#1 Changing your relationship status.

Single? Separated? It’s complicated? If you are in the middle of a divorce, the first thing you probably want to do is change your relationship status, but it’s the last thing you should do. When you change your relationship status, it can cause quite a stir. Suddenly your best friend comments that she always thought your husband was a jerk or your neighbor thinks your wife is evil. Allowing that kind of chatter on your page is the same as you saying it yourself. The courts are not likely to look favorably on that and it can be a violation of the court’s standing order.

#2 Showing off new purchases.  

Have you gotten behind in child support? Are you getting sued for unpaid medical bills? Showing off expensive purchases is a bad idea. If the photos you post on social media indicate that you live an life of luxury but you are behind on support, you won’t likely gain any sympathy with the court.

#3 Family outings

Does your back still hurt from your accident? Are you missing a lot of work because of it? That photo of you and your kids riding go-karts may make the court doubt your injuries. Or worse, they may be led to believe that the go-karts actually made your injuries worse. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having fun with your family and friends but remember, looks can be deceiving. To the court, that may look like you aren’t hurt at all.


#4 Posting pictures with your new girlfriend or boyfriend

If you are going through a divorce, it is wise not to be photographed with a new partner. By doing so, you run the risk of your new boyfriend or girlfriend being called as a witness for your soon-to-be ex-spouse. While it is best not to begin a new relationship until your divorce is finalized, do not broadcast it if you choose to do so.

No matter how innocent your social media posts may be, anything can be taken out of context. In the case of a heated court battle, you can assume that it probably will be. Never post anything you wouldn’t want to have to explain to a judge.





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