If there is one thing that we tell all potential clients, whether their matter is civil or criminal, it is WATCH WHAT YOU PUT ONLINE. Attorneys, court clerks, and even judges are becoming saavy to the wealth of information online. Creditors can find debtors through social media sites, and use that information to find your employer, and serve garnishee disclosures for example.
While Michigan has no fault divorce laws, that doesn’t mean that fault can’t come into determinations of alimony or child custody. So, it is critically important not to post anything that could even be construed as negative with respect to a former spouse, or former partner. Additionally, if there are any hints of a “partying lifestyle” or references to substance abuse, a Judge may see that as disregard for the law, or that you are a less fit parent resulting in harsher sentences, or unfavorable custody arrangements.
So, think before you post. What can be satisfying in the short term can have long term consequences. Also be sure you regularly check privacy settings. It is best to be “invisible” to those who are not friends or followers, “unsearchable,” or at the very least have an extremely minimal profile to the public. Generally, this is not the default on websites such as facebook, twitter, or others. Finally make sure you are regularly editing your friends or followers. Making yourself unsearchable does not help if you are still friends or followed by your former romantic partner/co-parent in hostile child custody, divorce, or Personal Protection matters.
If you have any questions about how to best protect yourself online, please contact Garmo & Kiste, PLC today! Or follow us on facebook and twitter!
