[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/private-messages-are-not-off-limits-in-divorce\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/private-messages-are-not-off-limits-in-divorce\/","headline":"Private Messages Are Not Off Limits in Divorce","name":"Private Messages Are Not Off Limits in Divorce","description":"By now, many in Michigan may understand that their social media activity can have unintended consequences during a divorce proceeding. Negative posts, compromising pictures and incriminating activity may have a detrimental effect on a spouse\u2019s efforts to win child custody, &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/private-messages-are-not-off-limits-in-divorce\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a>","datePublished":"2020-04-06","dateModified":"2025-05-07","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/author\/nmichlaw\/#Person","name":"Alward Fisher","url":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/author\/nmichlaw\/","identifier":10,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/63071aa228c966abd886a2cbb647b07806c39706d3fbac14fe9c4c475edc7457?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/63071aa228c966abd886a2cbb647b07806c39706d3fbac14fe9c4c475edc7457?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Alward Fisher","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/logo-fisher.png","url":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/logo-fisher.png","width":288,"height":103}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/feature-home-mobile-1.jpg","url":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/feature-home-mobile-1.jpg","height":"100","width":"100"},"url":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/private-messages-are-not-off-limits-in-divorce\/","about":["Divorce"],"wordCount":354,"articleBody":"By now, many in Michigan may understand that their social media activity can have unintended consequences during a divorce proceeding. Negative posts, compromising pictures and incriminating activity may have a detrimental effect on a spouse\u2019s efforts to win child custody, spousal support or a larger share of property division. However, what some may not understand is that private messages may also become evidence in a divorce case.Despite that they are called \u201cprivate\u201d messages, the law does not protect the privacy of electronic communications. While it is standard procedure for the social media posts, histories and even deleted information to become part of a divorce trial, many are shocked to learn that their spouse\u2019s attorneys may also subpoena text messages, emails, direct messages and other private communications. This information can include time stamps as well as the sender\u2019s location at the time of the message.For this reason, spouses heading for divorce would be wise to use electronic communications as cautiously as possible throughout the process. Seemingly innocent messages, such as describing a night of heavy drinking, complaining about the children or discussing a recent shopping splurge may resurface during a divorce trial and sabotage one\u2019s goals. In fact, some divorce advisors recommend avoiding electronic communications and social media as much as possible until the legal matters are settled.Fortunately, those approaching the challenges of divorce do not have to go through it alone. A skilled Michigan attorney will have the experience to offer wise advice for how to handle one\u2019s social media and other issues. Having a legal advocate may improve one\u2019s chances of a more positive outcome.About the AuthorLatest PostsAlward FisherAt Alward Fisher, we provide more than savvy legal representation. We provide peace of mind. Peace of mind for your business. Peace of mind for your family. And the peace of mind for your future. No matter what types of legal challenges you are facing, we can help you find solutions.Can Someone with the Power of Attorney Change a Will?Can a Divorce Be Denied in Michigan?What Is the Downside of Collaborative Divorce?"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Private Messages Are Not Off Limits in Divorce","item":"https:\/\/nmichlaw.com\/blog\/private-messages-are-not-off-limits-in-divorce\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]