Page 60 - June 2017 Newsletter

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Social media and litigation: A toxic combination
It goes something like this: You are being in- vestigated for not using a body camera while arresting a suspect, or you just found out your spouse is “emotionally involved” with her part- ner. Whether you are just beginning to toy with
own grave by leaving an electronic paper trail all over the web documenting my every screw-up during my contest- ed case.”
I’m pretty close, right? Don’t be ashamed to admit it. Ev- eryone ignores my advice when it comes to this particu- lar situation. But I am telling you right now, loud and clear, that it is to your benefit to heed my warning about not mixing social media and litigation by
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vorce papers or you are already deep in the throes of the litigation process, take my advice and shut down every single
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dea of serving your spouse with di-
CORRI FETMAN
one of your social media accounts immediately! LAW Yes, you read that correctly. Get online right now
deleting your accounts right now. Here is why:
In today’s technology-obsessed society, where no one can put down his or her phone for more than five minutes, there are just too many outlets on
and deactivate your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or whatever other online platforms you use to share the details of your private life. Because let me tell you, they will cause nothing but trouble during your lit- igation proceedings. I would even go so far as to remove all texting and email capabilities from your cell phone that do not relate to your police and other business. And, yes, I’m serious about that one too.
I bet I know what you are thinking after reading that: “That seems like a dramatic and unnecessary display of ‘unplugging’ that doesn’t apply to my own particular sit- uation. I think I’ll just ignore her and continue to dig my
which to make a virtual boo-boo that can cost you.
Take a look at this list of a few potential scenarios to get an idea of how just the click of a button may result in a
huge mess in the courtroom:
• You are in the midst of a custody battle with your
ex, and someone tags you in a photo that shows you drinking and partying on a night when you said you could not exercise visitation with your children.
• You filed to modify and lower your support pay-
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60 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JUNE 2017