Child custody cases are an emotional rollercoaster. Determining how rough or smooth the ride goes is totally at the parents' discretion. No one wants to bring unnecessary stress to themselves or their children. Most importantly, no one wants to feel like they've done more damage to the situation by making dumb decisions. If you have an active presence on social media, the chances of posting things that could negatively affect your case are very high.

Think Before You Post

Leaving a trail of digital evidence that could hurt your case will undoubtedly help the other side, so think first and follow these suggestions:

• DON'T Disrespect the other parent – A large part of convincing a custody judge to rule in your favor has to do with respect. It is crucial that you show you are on board with being a cooperative co-parent. You can blow your chances by bad-mouthing the other parent on social media. Disrespect on social media will affect communication between you and your former spouse or significant other, putting you in the box of someone who is uncooperative. It also shows disregard for the feelings of the people with the most at stake: your child or children.
• DON'T Post about the case – Social media has become an outlet where people make their opinions heard, but this is not the time or place to discuss your custody issues. If you must vent your frustrations about the case, talk privately to a friend. You may easily say something publicly that can be used against you.
• DON'T Post Party Pictures – If you're going out clubbing, drinking alcohol, or doing drugs and post about it in the middle of a custody case, you're only hurting yourself. In the eyes of a court, a partying parent is a neglectful parent who is not likely to be as present as they should be in their children's lives.
• DON'T Brag about a lavish lifestyle – Whether you're looking to collect child support or may have to end up paying child support, the state of your finances should stay offline. It doesn't matter which side you're on; you don't want to appear too well-off to the court. That means no posting about expensive purchases like vacations or designer clothes.

The bottom line is that your life online is open to the world. If custody proceedings get contentious, you can be sure your ex will use whatever you post online to your disadvantage.

Joseph D. Lento and the Family Law Team

With so much to think about going into a child custody case, it helps to have Joseph D. Lento and the Family Law Team at the Lento Law Firm on your side from the beginning. Together, we can determine the type of custody case you have and evaluate all the elements of the case. Remember, the interest of your family and children are all that matters. Contact attorney Joseph D. Lento and the Family Law Team today to discuss your case online or by phone at 888-535-3686.