Advice from a Montana lawyer: Do Not Use Facebook while going through a divorce or custody battle!

Facebook has become the most popular form of social networking for posting personal information on the Internet.  The majority of people you know may have a Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter account.  And people post their personal information freely on these social networking websites.
When you are going through a divorce or custody battle, you should be especially careful of how you use your Facebook page during this time.  Even if your Facebook page is private, you never know who your ex may know that is on your Friends list that may be able to access your Facebook page for them.  And even then, you should assume that if you are placing this information or photographs on Facebook, that anyone who has a computer has access to this information.
The attorney for your spouse may have access to your Facebook and may obtain pictures and information that can be used against you in court.  The last thing you need is a picture of you around alcohol being posted online.  You also don’t want to be found having been spending time on Facebook when you are supposed to be exercising your parenting time.  Where are the children while you are online?
The other thing to be aware of is that even if YOU don’t have a Facebook page, someone you KNOW most likely does.  And that person you know may freely post pictures of you on their Facebook page.  So therefore, during this time, beware of the situations you are in, how you are behaving, and who is taking pictures of what you are doing.  This is not a good time to post your opinions about your ex, or your freedom, or anyone you may be dating now.  This is a good time to focus on improving your life and spending as much time as possible with your children.
What I recommend for anyone using social networking sites while going through divorce or custody battles:

1. Don’t post anything on social networking sites during this time.
2. If you post something, assume everyone in the world can see this.  Consider how it may be interpreted.  Would you want a judge to see this, your ex to see this, your grandmother to see this?  If not, don’t post the information.

The best rule of thumb during this time is to stay clear of social networking.  Things that may seem innocent to you can always be twisted in the wrong way, and it is best to have no information available regarding your personal life, rather than things that may not look so innocent to a judge.
Your personal life is just that- personal- so keep it that way!