A superior court judge in Connecticut
has demanded a divorcing couple hand over the passwords of their Facebook
account to the other’s lawyers. This split took place last year.
Facebook is now not only a valid
ground for divorce, but posts and messages on the social media juggernaut can
be used for rulings regarding child custody and alimony. Think it’s a good idea
to slag off your ex on Facebook and impress your friends with your snarky wit
in the form of an immaculately crafted status update? Think again. Facebook is
now being used to gather evidence and as an aid in cross-examining a witness. Anything
on Facebook that can be used as an argument slamming your parenting skills,
drinking, drugging or even disparaging comments that disobey a court order
could be used as admissible evidence in court.
