Social Media Is Slowly Creeping Into Divorce Proceedings

During a divorce, couples usually resolve issues such as property division, child custody, visitation, and spousal support. Even minor questions, such as who gets the dog or use of the gym membership, are normally addressed. However, for some couples in Denver going through a divorce, social media may also become a part of the conversation.

Shortly after her divorce, one mother found pictures of her children on her ex-husband's profile on the popular dating site Match.com and was taken aback. She contacted her ex to let him know that it was not an appropriate place to post their children's pictures. He simply blocked her access to his profile.

The mother realized that she no longer had control over where her husband posted pictures of the children. She realized a little too late that the question of the children's digital exposure was an issue that may have benefitted from discussion and resolution during the divorce process.

While this family lives in St. Louis, the concept is likely to resonate with parents in Colorado. In both states, the courts require that a comprehensive parenting plan be put in place when parents divorce, giving them ample opportunity to address the issue of social media as it relates to their children.

When parents are going through a divorce, there are many issues that should be addressed and agreed to in any settlements, agreements, or parenting plans. While post-divorce modifications are possible, it is often in the parents' and children's best interests to deal with as many points of contention as possible up-front. Social media and digital exposure of children may be new topics to consider in the divorce arena, but that doesn't lessen their possible importance in the long run.

Source: DenverPost.com, "Who gets custody of the Facebook profile info after a divorce?" Aisha Sultan, Jan. 2, 2013

Tags: co-parenting, divorce, family law, parental rights