Reading an article in the news today about domestic violence and new guidance for the police and Crown Prosecution Service in relation to social media prompted me to write this blog as a reminder to all involved in relationship breakdown situations to take a minute to think before posting anything to social media.
The article can be seen on our Facebook page but in summary it is a recognition that the way of communication has changed and that abuse is often over social media rather than face to face or on the phone, particularly with the younger generation. The guidance takes on board that many victims of abuse were not being helped as social media postings were often not taken seriously by the police and action taken. This must serve as a warning to anyone posting abusive comments on social media that their actions could result in a prosecution and criminal record.
The warning must go further than that though. The dangers are not only posting directly abusive comments or harassing someone online but go much further with the increasing use of social media.

Separation, divorce and making arrangements for children are difficult times when emotions are running high. Playing out those emotions over Facebook or other forms of social media can be disastrous and make a situation which is already a personal crisis a whole lot worse.
As family lawyers, we see Facebook particularly, being misused in this way on a weekly if not daily basis. Copies or screenshots of postings from such sites being used in evidence in Court is now commonplace. Judges can form a view from posts made that could completely turn a case around and could have very damaging consequences such as a child being ordered to live with the other parent. Given that the outcome of family cases can be life changing there is good reason to avoid being one of those who suffer the consequences.
We would always advise our clients to avoid getting into arguments over social media but again the advice goes further than that. Below are a few examples as food for thought:-

Do not post threats or intimidating comments or you could face police action or an injunction.

Remember your privacy settings may be set to friends but your friends could have mutual friends and what we think is private may well not be and could be seen by the other party even if blocked.

Don’t post relationship about new relationships in the midst of a divorce as it can complicate matters.

Avoid posting about holidays, meals out and so on whilst claiming you have limited monies in the midst of financial proceedings or child maintenance assessment.

Don’t boast about drinking or drug use unless you wish to face potential denial of contact with your children and/or testing to show your level of use.

Don’t post negative comments drawing others into your issues and connected private emotions.

Remember your children may use such sites and may have access to your content possibly indirectly, which could cause them additional upset when they already feel stuck in the middle.

These are but a few examples. In some circumstances it may be worth considering suspension of accounts until proceedings are concluded rather than be drawn into a public battle, which can all too easily snowball out of your control.
If you or someone you knows need advice on any family matter please get in touch on 01484 810210. Remember to like our Face Book page where you can read the news article and future updates.

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Harrington Family Law regularly provide Family Law Services to clients in Cleckheaton, Brighouse and Holmfirth. We also cover West Yorkshire and beyond.

Harrington Family Law is the trading name of Harrington Law Limited which is a limited company registered in England and Wales with registered number 11651440 whose list of directors is available for inspect at its registered office. Harrington Law Limited are solicitors of England and Wales authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under SRA number 666091.

If you are a client and we have made a contract with you by electronic means you may be entitled to use an EU online dispute resolution service to assist with any contractual dispute you may have with us. This service can be found at: ec.europa.eu/odr