Can Social Media Rants Affect Your Case?

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. We share everything from vacation photos to our innermost thoughts with friends, family, and sometimes complete strangers. However, when you’re involved in a family law case in Maryland—whether it’s a divorce, child custody dispute, or child support matter—your social media activity can have serious consequences.

How Social Media Posts Become Evidence

Many people mistakenly believe that their social media accounts are private, especially if they’ve adjusted their privacy settings. The reality is that anything you post online can potentially be discovered and used against you in court. Here’s how:

• Opposing counsel can request social media records during the discovery process
• Friends or mutual acquaintances may share your posts with the other party
• Screenshots can be preserved even if you delete the original post
• Metadata can reveal when and where posts were made

Types of Posts That Can Hurt Your Case

In Child Custody Cases

When determining custody arrangements, Maryland courts focus on the best interests of the child. Posts that may negatively impact your case include:

• Photos showing excessive alcohol consumption or drug use
• Angry rants about your co-parent
• Evidence of a lavish lifestyle while claiming inability to pay support
• Posts showing you in locations when you claimed to be elsewhere
• Disparaging comments about the children

In Child Support Cases

If you’re involved in a child support dispute, financial posts are particularly problematic:

• Photos of expensive purchases, vacations, or new vehicles
• Check-ins at expensive restaurants or resorts
• Posts about new jobs or promotions you haven’t disclosed
• Evidence contradicting claims of financial hardship

Best Practices During Your Case

While your case is pending, consider these guidelines:

1. Think before you post - Ask yourself if you’d be comfortable with a judge seeing this content
2. Avoid discussing your case online - Don’t share details about court proceedings or legal strategy
3. Don’t vent about your ex - Find healthier outlets for your frustrations
4. Review your privacy settings - Though not foolproof, limit who can see your posts
5. Consider a social media break - Sometimes the safest option is to step away temporarily

What About Deleting Old Posts?

While it may be tempting to delete problematic posts, doing so after litigation has begun could be considered spoliation of evidence—destroying or hiding relevant information. This can result in serious legal consequences, including adverse inferences drawn against you by the court.

If you’re concerned about existing social media content, speak with your attorney before taking any action to remove or modify posts.

Moving Forward

Social media isn’t inherently bad, but it requires thoughtful use during sensitive legal proceedings. The attorneys at Leffler, Bayoumi & Oliver, LLC understand the complexities of modern family law cases and can help guide you through these challenges while protecting your rights and your relationship with your children.

If you have questions about how your online presence might affect your case, or if you’re facing a custody or support dispute, contact our office to schedule a consultation.