With Facebook up to 540 million users world-wide and counting, it is clear that it is not some kind of passing fad.  It is not limited to younger generations.  Its users span all ages, races, and socio-economic classes.  Having a Facebook page is just about as common as having an email account.  Because of the omnipresence of Facebook, it is pervading all elements of society – including Family Law.

            If you have a Facebook page, and you are involved in family court litigation, be very cautious about what you put on your page.  Assume that whatever information you share will be seen by the other side in the litigation.  Topics like income, employment, and relationships with significant others can be issues in a family court case.  It is also not uncommon for people to share this kind of information on their Facebook page, often times contradicting what they may have told the Court.  When the other side presents the Court with information from your Facebook page which is contrary to other information you have provided to the Court, it can severely damage your credibility.  In other words, do not tell the Court that you are unemployed and have no money, and then brag about all the money you just won at the casino.  Believe it or not, things like this happen.  My advice is to simply refrain from posting information on Facebook while your case is pending.

by Marc Beyer

Tags: court, Face Book, Facebook, family law, information