Be Cautious with Electronic Data During Divorce
Most of the time, it is not a good idea to be overly cautious with every word that you say, type, text, and post. This kind of uber-conscious way of approaching communication is stressful and unsustainable. But it is important to employ a heightened sense of awareness related to communication at certain points in time. If you are contemplating divorce or have already decided that divorce is the healthiest option for you, this is one of those times.
Although the phrase “anything you say can be used against you in a court of law” technically applies to criminal cases, it translates practically to family law disputes in the sense that what you say, write, text and post can be used as evidence in court. This means that if you are divorcing, involved in a child custody dispute or child support negotiations, your electronic data could be used against your legal goals. As a result, it is critically important to be careful when emailing, texting and posting on social media until your case is finalized.
If you have questions about electronic data as evidence during divorce proceedings, please reach out to a law firm. They would be happy to discuss any aspect of the divorce and/or child custody process with you. Once they are better acquainted with your specific situation, they will be able to advise you according to your unique needs. Until your consultation, there are a few tips you may want to keep in mind when approaching electronic data.
First, it is generally a good idea to set up some safeguards if you believe you may be at risk for venting inappropriately via email, social media or text. Similarly, if you are at risk for contacting your spouse and speaking in anger, safeguards related to this situation are helpful too. Some individuals benefit from making a certain picture (perhaps of their kids or of a calming place) their home screen in order to remind them not to lash out in hurt or anger. Others prefer to avoid their electronic devices save for a specific time of day when they can be easily reminded to remain focused while communicating. Whatever you have to do in order to avoid potentially damaging communication at this time, please consider taking those steps.
Second, avoid deleting potentially damaging electronic data until you have spoken with a law firm. Some deletions may do more harm than good in the eyes of the court. They can advise you accordingly once they understand what types of data you are interested in deleting.
Divorce Assistance Is Available
If you have questions about the divorce process generally or how electronic data may factor into your divorce specifically, please contact a family lawyer in Rockville, MD, like from the Law Office of Daniel Wright, today. Consulting with a lawyer will not obligate you to take any legal action whatsoever. All speaking with a law firm will do is better ensure that your choices are as informed as they can be. Divorce can be a uniquely stressful life event. Please consider allowing us to do the “heavy lifting” on the legal side of things during this period of time so that you can focus on building the healthiest future possible as you transition from married life into the next phase.