I recently read an article from MSNBC about a divorcing couple in Connecticut who was ordered to disclose their Facebook passwords. On September 29, a Connecticut judge ordered a divorcing couple to hand over the passwords of their respective Facebook and online dating websites to each other’s lawyers. The decision is intended to aid the lawyers in the discovery process of the divorce case, which will involve custody of the couple’s children. The judge said neither of the parties will be allowed to view the other’s websites.
Apparently the wife was posting things on her Facebook profile regarding her feelings toward the husband, the children and her ability to take care of them, which prompted this entire situation. Not sure why someone would publicly advertise those things about their private lives, but I guess it seemed like a good idea to the wife.
When the wife was asked during a deposition for her passwords, she gave them up, but then asked a friend to go to her profile and delete several of the postings. Upon hearing this, the judge issued an injunction and the parties turned over their Facebook and dating site passwords to each other’s attorneys.
Earlier this year, my associate, Kelly Thames, briefly wrote about the role of social media in family law proceedings (and in getting a job, among other things). Cases such as this one in Connecticut remind us of the importance of keeping private thoughts and feelings just that: private.
Recent Comments