The Effects of Social Media on Utah Divorce Mediation

When Utah couples who are filing for divorce cannot agree on the details of their settlement, they might look toward a mediator. Divorce mediation uses a third-party to guide the divorcing couple on settling any disputes before getting into the courtroom. Disputes such as how they are going to divide assets and even child custody arrangements can benefit from the use of a mediator. If the couple agrees to the mediation process, the cost is often far less in the end; fewer heated emotions are involved and any settlement is legally binding on the parties.

However, a divorce that begins in mediation can quickly become contested if the parties are not careful. With the advent of the internet and now social media, a person’s online life may be brought into question. Having online accounts like Myspace, Facebook, Twitter and even Instagram can do more harm than good during the divorce process.

One example of this could occur if one of the partners decides to attend a company Christmas party and makes a toast with a glass of champagne. Someone snaps a picture and posts it online. That picture can now be used as evidence that the spouse over-indulges in alcohol and should not be allowed visitation with his or her own children. Worse, a picture of an innocent kiss could become evidence of cheating. Everything that is posted online can be used against the other party in court.

These same pictures or posts can sometimes interfere with the divorce mediation process for a variety of reasons. The best course of action may be to cancel and delete all online social accounts before deciding to file for a Utah divorce. If spouses wait until the divorce mediation process has begun, it may be too late to avoid any unwanted fallout.

Source: The Huffington Post, Social Media and Divorce — a Toxic Combination, Corri D. Fetman, Feb. 26, 2014