Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and MySpace have become part of everyday life for most individuals; and in some cases, people will check their social networking sites first thing in the morning rather than picking up a newspaper to find out what is going on in the world around them. The use of these social media sites and the benefits with facilitating our communications with friends and family is also becoming an increasing cause for divorce.

Based on the survey of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, one of five divorces in the United States is caused by a social networking site. An increasing number of matrimonial attorneys reported that they have received cases stemming from a connection made on a social media site or have used social media as evidence of infidelity. Evidence such as intimate photographs, vacation travel images, and status updates posted on these sites are becoming more and more frequent in numerous divorce proceedings.

An individual going through a divorce would be wise to resist the use of social media sites or be mindful of what they post. Posting photographs of the new motorcycle you just purchased, or the extravagant vacation you just went on with your “companion” can be used as evidence in court. In essence, resist submitting any information on a social media website that you would not want to defend in open court. Failing to be aware of what is being posted on these sites can severely impact the case and could provide extremely useful information to the spouse’s opposing counsel. Most attorneys are internet savvy and will patrol social media sites and will gather any information they can to gain an advantage over the opposing spouse.