Social Media – Friend Or Foe In Family Proceedings?

Social media usage is one of the most popular online activities. In 2019, an estimated 3.5 billion people were using social media worldwide.

Almost every client who is involved in family proceedings has a social media profile; we look at the potential implications they could have on the outcome of a case.

Almost every client who is involved in family proceedings has a presence on social media, whether it be via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn. Given they are often going through one of the most challenging times in their life, be it a divorce or trying to reinstate contact with their children it comes as no surprise that they often vent their frustrations via social media posts. However, these uploads/posts are admissible as evidence and as such the consequences can be far reaching.

It is unfortunate that the general warning that children matters are private gets lost in the rush to respond to an incident. This has now resulted in courts often directing parties involved not to publicise details of their disputes on social media.

We strongly advise our clients against posting anything disparaging relating to their spouse or children on social media sites, unless they are happy for a Judge to consider it in proceedings. That appears to be the safest rule for all concerned.

More information

If you’d like to understand more about how social media could potentially impact family proceedings, please contact Catherine Polli, Partner and Head of Family. 

Call on 01708 229444 or email us using the form on this page.
This article was written by Kiren Dhillon, Senior Associate in the Family Law Team at Pinney Talfourd LLP Solicitors. The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. Specific legal advice should be taken on each individual matter. This article is based on the law as of January 2020.​