As more of our lives becomes public due to our use of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and YouTube, many people are finding those little bits of information are coming back to haunt them when they least expect it. One such situation is when a couple begins divorce proceedings.

According to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, more than 80 percent of their member report using evidence obtained from a social media source or having it used against them in court. Facebook is not only the most popular social networking site, is also the most popular social media source from unwittingly providing evidence for divorce lawyers.

Facebook is not only a place where attorneys can find personal information about a person, but they can also see how they interact with others as well as who they interact with. In a study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, it was discovered that one in five Facebook users it as a tool for flirting. Instead of having an affair uncovered by a private investigator, many people do themselves in by posting pictures with their paramour.

What do you do to avoid oversharing and inadvertently harming your divorce case? Follow these tips:

  • Remember that once you post something for the world to see, you can't take it back. Before posting something, ask yourself if you would say the same thing in court.
  • Remember that a picture can be open to interpretation. Avoid posting pictures that may portray you in a negative light, if it is completely innocent.
  • Always use privacy setting. Even though the trend may be to make sites such as Facebook more open and accessible, use privacy settings to keep private information hidden from people who might be motivated to use it against you.

Related Resources:

Facebook is divorce lawyers' new best friend (Associated Press)