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In the age of technology, the impact of social media on almost every aspect of our lives is undeniable, and one area where its influence is increasingly significant is in family law. But how does our social media presence actually affect family law cases?

From the use of digital evidence in custody battles to the implications of online behavior on spousal support and property division, it’s becoming more and more important to understand how social media can impact your case. Join us as we explore the nuances, challenges, and consequences of social media in contemporary family law.

The Role of Social Media in Family Law Cases in California

In divorce proceedings, social media platforms often become a digital battleground where evidence is gathered and scrutinized. Courts in California increasingly consider digital footprints when making determinations related to child custody, spousal support, and property division. 

In child custody cases, California courts may consider online behavior and communications as crucial factors when determining the best interests of the child. Parents vying for custody often find their social media profiles under scrutiny, as posts, photos, and interactions can offer insights into their lifestyle, values, and ability to provide a stable environment.

The Types of Social Posts that may Impact Family Law Cases

Several types of social media posts hold particular relevance and may impact legal proceedings, including: 

• Financial status: Posts revealing extravagant purchases, luxurious vacations, or business ventures can impact spousal support and property division determinations. Such posts may contradict claims of financial hardship or show undisclosed assets.

• New relationships: Posts disclosing new romantic relationships or cohabitation arrangements before your divorce proceedings are finalized may show evidence of infidelity, which could impact child custody, alimony, and property division. 

• Substance abuse: Posts involving substance abuse, reckless behavior, or inappropriate conduct may affect issues such as child custody, visitation rights, and spousal support.

Overall, the types of social media posts that may impact family law cases encompass a wide range of content, from parenting practices and financial status to behavior and communication patterns.

How to Protect Yourself Online During a Family Law Case

You don’t need to completely erase your online presence, but protecting yourself on social media during family law proceedings is crucial to prevent potential complications that may impact the outcomes of your case. You may like to: 

• Think twice before posting: Avoid sharing sensitive information about your case, emotions, or personal life. Refrain from making disparaging remarks about your ex-spouse or engaging in online interactions.
• Adjust privacy settings: Limit the audience for your posts and ensure that only those you trust have access to your personal information. Regularly update these settings to maintain control over your online presence.
• Don’t use social media to vent: Avoid discussing your case on social media. Conversations about legal strategies, negotiations, or court proceedings should be reserved for private and confidential discussions with your attorney.
• Monitor tags and mentions: Keep a close eye on tags, mentions, and comments. Unwanted tags or comments from friends may disclose information about your activities or relationships that could impact your case.

It’s also a good idea to inform friends and family members about the importance of discretion on social media during your family law case. 

Talk to a Professional Family Law Attorney

At Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri, our family law attorneys can provide the right advice based on your specific situation. We’ll support you every step of the way and ensure your rights are protected throughout your case. 

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. 

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.

Families come in all shapes and sizes. If you are planning to expand your family by becoming the parent of a child who is not biologically yours, you might be wondering how the adoption process works. This guide provides information about types of adoption, the steps you need to take, and where to get help. Adopting can be a complex and lengthy process, but having a better understanding of what’s involved can help you feel more prepared. 

Types of Adoption

The most common types of adoption include:

• Private – Birth parents often choose and work directly with the adoptive parents. Adoption agencies can help facilitate private adoptions.
• Foster care – Some families choose to adopt through the foster care system. Usually, parents will become temporary foster parents first and then pursue formal adoption later. Children in the foster care system might be older.
• Stepparent, kinship, or relative – Stepparents or close relatives such as grandparents, adult siblings, or aunts and uncles can legally adopt and assume parental responsibilities for a child.
• International – When you adopt a child from a different country, you must adhere to the adoption laws of the child’s country of origin as well as U.S. adoption laws. 

How the Adoption Process Works

While certain steps might be slightly different, depending on the type of adoption you pursue, in general, consider the following tips as you move forward.

• Do some research – If you know families who have gone through the process, talk to them. Read books about adopting. Consider attending parenting classes. Get as much information as you can as early as you can.
• Choose an adoption agency or professional facilitator – Although it might be tempting to pursue adoption more informally, it is in your best interests to work with an adoption agency, facilitator, or attorney to ensure that you understand your rights and the rights of the birth parents, as well as all relevant adopting laws. 
• Explore financial assistance –  Adoption can be expensive, especially if international travel is involved. You can look into grants, loans, subsidies, the Federal Adoption Tax Credit, and even employer adoption benefits. Many prospective adoptive parents hold fundraisers (e.g., selling homemade goods with proceeds benefiting the adoption fund) to help them get started.
• Participate in a home study – Your chosen adoption agency or facilitator will conduct a thorough investigation of your family home and lifestyle to ensure you are a good fit for a child. Background checks, home visits, financial assessments, and personal interviews may all be part of this lengthy process.

Once the above steps are complete, you will be matched with a child or a pregnant mother. The child will then be placed in your home, either in a foster-type relationship, or a more permanent pre-adoptive status. Periodically, a social worker will visit to monitor the transition for both you and the child. If all goes well, your adoption case will work through the family court system until it is finalized.

Talk to a Family Law Expert

The experienced family law attorneys at Lonich Patton Ehrlich Policastri (LPEP Law) are well-equipped to guide you through the complex process of adoption. When it comes to drafting, reviewing, and filing legal documents; ensuring you understand the adoption laws in your state (or another country, in the case of international adoption); and representing you in family court (especially in contested adoptions), it helps to have a team on your side. Call us at 408-553-0801 for a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your case. 

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.