Netiquette Important with Social Media Posts

Digital etiquette can keep partners out of trouble during separation and divorce cases. Family law firm Watts McCray says under the Family Law Act, publishing images or information that can reveal the identity of a child or individual involved in family law proceedings can be considered to be an offence The outcome of legal proceedings can be impacted when using social media and parents should exercise caution when using platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Skype, Facebook and Snapchat.

The law firm has a website - divorce.com.au – that aims to make things simple for those looking for information on all types of family law matters. In a custody dispute or divorce proceeding, social media posts can complicate the outcome, the law firm says. Using common sense netiquette parents or partners can navigate the online world. It is important to note that a simple screenshot of a post can be used as evidence. The material is available for the world to see in a public forum and can be accessed by many. Simply deleting posts does not guarantee that it has not been seen or copied.

Taking time to think before responding in anger or even taking legal advice can help avoid tricky situations. Posting under the influence of alcohol, for example, can be brought up in court to make a case on poor parenting.

Overusing social media to share information on children, especially in custody situations, should be avoided. This also extends to monitoring the children’s social media usage, and having a conversation with them about what is sensible and what can be harmful.

The law firm suggests that parents should keep social media accounts private and review privacy settings regularly. There have been instances where social media has been used to stalk and harass the other party.  Threats, even as a joke, can work against parents in a family court. Ranting against partners on social media could even mean gaol time.

Section 121 of the Family Law Act 1975 prohibits anyone from disseminating any information to the public about a family court case that identifies  a party to the proceedings, a person who is related to, or associated with, a party to the proceedings or is, or is alleged to be, in any other way concerned in the matter to which the proceedings relate, or a witness in the proceedings. Simply put, this means parties are not legally allowed to publicly identify people involved in a family court case. While this law is mainly applied to journalists and publications like newspapers, the law is very broad and includes publication by “other electronic means”. This means social media updates count, and breaching that law could lead to a maximum punishment of a year in jail.  

Watts McCray has been at the forefront of making Australians aware of the latest in the world of family law. Their resource filled, dedicated website divorce.com.au aims to make things simple for those looking for information on all types of family law matters. The website also addresses issues such as child support, spousal maintenance, child custody, divorce and property. Settling disputes outside the court room using alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation, settlement conferences, arbitration and collaborative law gives parties the benefits of saving time and money. These topics are also discussed in detail on the website.

Parents must seek legal advice when considering the best approach for the family. Watts McCray Lawyers, with offices located in Sydney, Canberra, Central Coast, Parramatta, Norwest, Brookvale and Frenchs Forest, are a leading specialist family law firm. For more resources related to divorce.

For more information on how to get divorced in Australia, best divorce lawyer Sydney, domestic violence law, family lawyers Canberra, de facto relationship separation entitlements and more, visit https://www.divorce.com.au/