Can they post that?
People are engaging with each other through various online platforms to a greater extent than ever. In previous generations, news was shared predominantly through television, newspapers and radio. Nowadays It’s perfectly natural to share and discuss news on Facebook, Twitter, or any number of other social media apps. Who doesn’t love to share a sunet pic over the Mooloolaba pier or their tasty dinner from Howard Smith Wharves! There is so much that it is ‘Instagrammable’.
This greater sense of connection, that transcends geographical borders, can be liberating. But, it can also get you into a great deal of trouble.
Social media and family law
The courts take family law matters extremely seriously, and anyone that threatens their integrity by publishing sensitive information can face grave consequences. According to section 121 (1) of the Family Law Act 1975:
A person who publishes in a newspaper or periodical publication, by radio broadcast or television or by other electronic means, or otherwise disseminates to the public or to a section of the public by any means, any account of any proceedings, or of any part of any proceedings, under this Act that identifies:
- A party to the proceedings;
- A person who is related to, or associated with, a party to the proceedings, or is alleged to be, in any other way concerned in the matter to which the proceedings relate; or
- A witness in the proceedings;
commits an offence punishable, upon conviction, by imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year.
It may seem extreme that a simple tweet or Facebook post could land you in prison. But, family court proceedings can be very stressful times for those involved, and having their identity divulged during the course of the proceedings may infringe on their ability to receive a fair hearing.
Using social media while party to a family law case
Unfortunately, there is no end to the absurd uses of social media by those who are themselves in the middle of a court proceeding. Needless to say, social media posts are frequently admitted as evidence to demonstrate all kinds of irresponsible behaviour by parties to a case.
Child custody cases have been lost because of posts denigrating a former spouse and publishing their personal information, or showing video of one partner out partying and engaging in illicit activity.
If you are in the midst of a divorce, and spousal maintenance or child support payments are part of the negotiations, the court will be scrutinising your behaviour. If evidence from social media is found that shows you indulging in expensive holidays and luxury items, the court may be less sympathetic towards your request for any kind of financial support.
In this day and age, this may be a lot to ask, but, if you are currently having a family law case heard in court, it is recommended to give social media a rest for the duration.
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