The Legal Light Justin Stack Beware social media posts in family disputes A person cries poor as they challenge a will in an attempt to convince a court they are in dire straits and should be awarded a bigger part of a deceased estate - only to be shown social media posts where they boast about the new luxury car they just bought. An ex-partner arguing in property settlement negotiations that they have little money left is revealed to have posted photos on social media where they are enjoying travel and parties at luxury resorts. A person argues during family law proceedings that their collection of antiques is worth very little, but during settlement investigations they are found via social media to have sold said items for a fortune since the separation. A parent seeking orders to be the primary carer of their child is found on social media to be taking drugs, drinking heavily, associating with undesirable characters and going to wild parties. Ashleigh Flanagan, family lawyer at Stacks Law Firm, says social media posts are increasingly being used as evidence in property settlement negotiations and court disputes between separating couples. "People who are going into a battle over who should receive what in a family law matter should be aware that material on social media can be used as evidence that will either help or hinder their case," Ms Flanagan said. "Evidence on social media revealing a more lavish lifestyle than the person had described as their financial position during legal proceedings could be used to justify a reduction of support. "Similarly, a person who challenges a will, saying they deserve a bigger slice of the estate because they were dependent on the deceased, and the will did not take their needs into account fairly, could have their claim dismissed if photos of them enjoying a life of luxury are found on social media." Ms Flanagan said social media posts can play a major role in family law matters if they reveal a lifestyle that is not compatible with being a responsible parent. "People who post hostile comments about a person with whom they are in legal dispute can face up to a year in jail under section 114Q of the Family Law Act 1975. Section 121 says it is an indictable offence to communicate accounts of proceedings that identify those involved to the public, unless this has been approved by a court. "Those who vent their anger against their former partner and identify them online can end up in jail. It is best to stay away from social media if there is a legal dispute." STACKS LAW FIRM Sandra Jeremy Lawyer No Win No Fee Conditions apply 02 6592 6592 taree.stacklaw.com.au Partners in life The Legal Light Justin Stack Beware social media posts in family disputes A person cries poor as they challenge a will in an attempt to convince a court they are in dire straits and should be awarded a bigger part of a deceased estate - only to be shown social media posts where they boast about the new luxury car they just bought . An ex - partner arguing in property settlement negotiations that they have little money left is revealed to have posted photos on social media where they are enjoying travel and parties at luxury resorts . A person argues during family law proceedings that their collection of antiques is worth very little , but during settlement investigations they are found via social media to have sold said items for a fortune since the separation . A parent seeking orders to be the primary carer of their child is found on social media to be taking drugs , drinking heavily , associating with undesirable characters and going to wild parties . Ashleigh Flanagan , family lawyer at Stacks Law Firm , says social media posts are increasingly being used as evidence in property settlement negotiations and court disputes between separating couples . " People who are going into a battle over who should receive what in a family law matter should be aware that material on social media can be used as evidence that will either help or hinder their case , " Ms Flanagan said . " Evidence on social media revealing a more lavish lifestyle than the person had described as their financial position during legal proceedings could be used to justify a reduction of support . " Similarly , a person who challenges a will , saying they deserve a bigger slice of the estate because they were dependent on the deceased , and the will did not take their needs into account fairly , could have their claim dismissed if photos of them enjoying a life of luxury are found on social media . " Ms Flanagan said social media posts can play a major role in family law matters if they reveal a lifestyle that is not compatible with being a responsible parent . " People who post hostile comments about a person with whom they are in legal dispute can face up to a year in jail under section 114Q of the Family Law Act 1975. Section 121 says it is an indictable offence to communicate accounts of proceedings that identify those involved to the public , unless this has been approved by a court . " Those who vent their anger against their former partner and identify them online can end up in jail . It is best to stay away from social media if there is a legal dispute . " STACKS LAW FIRM Sandra Jeremy Lawyer No Win No Fee Conditions apply 02 6592 6592 taree.stacklaw.com.au Partners in life