Although the court is required to apply a best interest standard when hearing a custody dispute, getting your hands around what that entails can be tough. While it’ll certainly include issues like your relationship with your child and each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s basic needs, the law really allows the court to consider any evidence that it deems relevant. This is where social media could get you into trouble if you’re not careful.
How social media can negatively affect your child custody case
Social media can be a great place to let off steam and connect with others who are facing challenging custody issues, but it can also be risky. Here’s why:
- The other parent might capture your posts and use them to try to show that you live a lifestyle that isn’t conducive to good parenting.
- The other parent might use your posts to try to show that you’ve disparaged them in a way that’s accessible to your child.
- Private messages sent on social media platforms can be used to show your unwillingness to engage in effective co-parenting.
There are other ways that social media can prove harmful in your custody case. So, while it’s best to stay off social media while your case is pending, if you’re going to post, stick to neutral language and remain focused on your child rather than personal attacks on the other parent.
Don’t make mistakes that jeopardize your custody case
There are a lot of missteps that can be made in a custody case, any one of which could sink your arguments. So, be thorough in building your legal arguments, and be sure to anticipate what the defense will raise in response to your assertions. That way you’ll be best positioned to advocate for an outcome that protects your best interests and, more importantly, your child’s best interests.