Can I use material from social networking websites as evidence in court?

Today, social networking websites have become an extremely common way for people to share the intimate details of their lives with the larger society.

With that being said, a common question that has come to light is whether or not one can use postings on social networking sites as evidence in court. It is clear that specific postings, photos and friends lists can be used to the benefit of a party as evidence in family- and divorce-related litigation matters. In addition, social networking profiles have been used in order to draw conclusions on an individual’s character, judgment, and credibility. In short, one can, in fact, use information found on social networking websites as evidence in court, if the evidence that is being brought forward has merit and bearing on the matter at hand.

It is important that people know this before posting information about themselves online, where it is accessible to the public.

Before placing any personal information on a online forum, it makes sense to consider what a third party viewing this information may glean from such information. At the very least and in the interest of privacy, it is reasonable to restrict one’s privacy settings on Facebook.

For more information on social networking websites as they relate to family law matters, contact Krol & Krol at 905.707.3370.