There are no denying the benefits that social media has enabled us. From staying in touch with old friends and distant relatives to staying informed and entertained, the advent of social media allows us practically endless communication opportunities. Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks to social media use. Once you put something out there on Facebook, Twitter or some other network, it’s out there – out there for good even if you delete it. That’s why the Tulsa divorce lawyers of Fry & Elder want you to know that if you are going through a divorce, have just filed for a divorce or are thinking about filing for a divorce, you should proceed with extreme caution when using social media.
With that in mind, the our Tulsa divorce lawyers have put together a few things for you to consider when using social media if you find yourself going through one of the above scenarios.
Err on the Side of Caution
Simply put: This means think before you post. Even if you have the best intentions and think what you’re posting is harmless, your ex-spouse, friends and even relatives might not see it that way. On the surface, going out to happy hour with some co-workers is perfectly normal, but it’s probably something you’re not going to want to tweet about or put up on Instagram.
Don’t be Negative
Simply put: Don’t badmouth anybody. Social media leads to a lot of impulsive behavior and outbursts, which is definitely not what you need if you’re going through a divorce or a contested child custody battle. This means absolutely don’t badmouth your ex, a judge, or the opposing attorney. Your social media posts can be documented and admitted into court. In fact, Family Lawyer Magazine contends that most courts adhere to the policy that “social media is discoverable for three main reasons; 1. It does not violate any privacy as there is no expectation of privacy 2. It can be relevant 3.It does not violate any privilege.”
Check Your Privacy Settings and Think Twice About Who You Friend
It is amazing that many social media users, let alone those going through a divorce, don’t know their privacy settings. If you are using social media, at the very least, make sure that what you’re posting is not being seen by the general public. Also, if you are going through a divorce or heated custody battle, there just might be chance that your ex has enlisted someone to “friend” or “follow” you on a social media site. If you don’t know the person or are unsure about their intentions, don’t accept their request.
Factoring in all of the above information and your present situation, there might be a chance you will just want to logoff and take a vacation from social media for a while with which the Tulsa divorce lawyers of Fry & Elder say is perfectly OK.
Experience the Fry & Elder Difference
Together, the Tulsa divorce lawyers of Fry & Elder make up one of the most elite legal teams in the state. Robert G “Hap” Fry Jr. continues to prove the he arguably is the best Tulsa divorce lawyer, as he was honored as the Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Tulsa for 2016 by Best Lawyers® and has been selected as an Oklahoma Super Lawyer® every year since 2007.
Fellow Fry & Elder attorneys, James R. Elder, M. Shane Henry, and Aaron D. Bundy, along with Fry, are AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, which is a testament to the fact that a lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence.
Additionally, T. Luke Barteaux, along with Henry and Bundy each have been selected as Super Lawyers® Rising Stars™. Collectively, these five have helped establish Fry & Elder as one of the top divorce law firms in nation. The U.S. News & World Report has named Fry & Elder to exclusive list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2016.
The firm recently hired attorneys Katie Egan, Lorena Rivas and Melissa Fell to help round out the staff. In addition to Oklahoma, Egan is licensed to practice law in Connecticut and New York, while Rivas is bilingual and will focus on Oklahoma immigration law and family law.
While the firm continues to be known for its excellence in family law, Fry & Elder has grown and expanded its legal reach into Oklahoma criminal law, personal injury law and immigration law services. Contact Fry & Elder today to set up a personal consultation with a proven, experienced and acclaimed Tulsa divorce lawyer.