Technology has become an integral part of our lives, but just how important is modern technology in family law and divorce cases? Technology has clearly made a big impact on many aspects of family life, whether it’s changing the way couples communicate or the way children can be monitored by their parents. Modern technology in family law has caused significant change, not just impacting how cases are handled, but also affecting how many courts and law practices are run. To learn more, read this article, presented by the Law Firm of Kenneth L. Jamison, located in Liberty, Missouri.
Texts, Emails, and Social Media
Electronic communication comes in various forms: emails, text messages, instant messaging, and social media messages are some of the most common e-communication forums. The advent of the internet, smart phones, and social media have created a form of communication that not too long ago didn’t exist. Up until the last few decades, conversations between married couples, their children, and other parties were verbal, either on the telephone or in person. When conversations between parties in a family law case were being cited in legal proceedings, it was almost always a he-said/she-said situation. In this day and age, with electronic communication, there is now a record as to what was said between parties in many cases.
This type of evidence is not only a regular part of family law cases, but also in domestic violence and harassment cases as well. Posts on Facebook and other social media can also be used by courts to prove harassing behavior. Sadly, it is much easier for people to lash out through social media than it is when the parties are face-to-face, much like cyberbullying. That is of course contrary to logic, as parties should realize that putting statements in writing, whether they are texts, emails, or social media posts, proves their statements and could be used against them in court. The trend of people not thinking before sending an email or text message continues, unfortunately. These days, a large number of harassment cases involving domestic violence include incriminating evidence from text messages, emails, or social media posts.
Location Services
As a result of advancements in technology, law enforcement can more easily locate people they are looking for. This is important in criminal cases when a suspect’s whereabouts is not known. Police use the Amber Alert system to broadcast a missing child’s information via a text notification or electronic billboards. They also can track purchases made on credit and debit cards, and they use the GPS system to pinpoint the location of a cell phone.
Social media can sometimes give insight and clues as to a person’s whereabouts. Some individuals are not aware that location settings on their social media accounts could potentially
give location information when they post. It is not uncommon for law enforcement to find individuals based on their social media posting.
The tracking aspect of technology can be helpful as it relates to family law cases as well. Technology in family law cases can be a big help in locating an elusive individual in order to serve notice that a case has been filed against them, such as a divorce or custody action. In order for a family law case to proceed, the party or parties named in the petition must be notified via proper legal service, in accordance with the rules of the court in which the case has been filed. The additional means of location provided by modern technology has in many instances facilitated the task of serving individuals so that cases can proceed.
Social Media & Other Internet Interactions
Social media, the internet, and technology have also impacted divorce cases,especially with regards to infidelity. Divorce isn’t always the end result in such situations, and infidelity is certainly nothing new; it’s been around as long as marriage has. Technology has, however, made infidelity easier and getting caught more common. Years ago an extra-marital affair required secret telephone calls on landlines, whereas now it’s easy for anyone to secretly call anyone else, whenever they want. Text messaging and emails provide easy and covert means of communicating. Facebook and other social media sites facilitate infidelity by providing simple and clandestine ways of connecting with others. Whether a married person begins a physical affair or strictly emotional relationship with someone other than their spouse, the end result is often divorce. What the internet, cell phones, and social media have also created is the evidence of infidelity. These forums can leave a trail of evidence behind, thus making it easier for them to get caught in their extramarital relationship. It is very common for a spouse to discover his or her partner’s infidelity by seeing revealing emails, Facebook messages, text messages, or cell phone calls from another individual.
Law Practice Procedures & Client Communication
Like many industries, the influx of technology has changed how we go about completing tasks and organizing them. In the past, filing a case involved paper. Nowadays, cases are filed digitally and can be stored digitally as well. With the ability to store large amounts of information in the cloud, many lawyers store their files in a virtual filing cabinet. It is not necessary to only use one computer to access files. A person can access a file on any device, such as a laptop, tablet, or even a smartphone, which is helpful for business when meeting a client outside of the office.
Cell phones have also made attorneys more efficient, and it has often become easier to address issues quickly. Attorneys will often use their cell phones to contact clients when they would otherwise be unavailable, such as while they are driving, waiting in between court dockets, and other times when they are outside of the office.
The Law Firm Of Kenneth L. Jamison
If you are considering filing a family law case, or if you are a party to a case already filed, you should save any and all electronic communication that is exchanged between you and the other party. Having easy access to this potential trove of evidence could be extremely helpful in your case. Additionally, keeping detailed records of any verbal interactions could also be beneficial.
Furthermore, to consult with a Kansas City area attorney about representation in your case, reach out to The Law Firm Of Kenneth L. Jamison today. Our experienced family law attorneys can answer your questions and help you determine the best course of action for your unique situation. Our firm is located in Liberty, Missouri, just minutes away from downtown Kansas City, MO. Please call us at (816) 200-7436 to request your free consultation, or you can reach us via our website. We look forward to speaking with you.
