Text Messages Can Interfere with Family Law Matters

 Posted on September 13, 2017 in Child Custody

It is almost too easy to send a text message on your cell phone. It takes only a few moments to type out a quick hello or make plans with friends and family. More than six billion messages are exchanged every day in the United States—that is over 2.2 trillion each year! Unfortunately, the ease of sending a text message can sometimes get people into trouble, as they may send a message without thinking or in the heat of a moment. This can cause problems for those involved in legal proceedings such as a divorce or child custody battle.

Text Messages Last Forever

An individual who is going through a divorce or other matter of family law may experience a wide range of emotions. He or she may feel betrayed, spiteful, confused, and upset. Often, there is animosity and tension between spouses who have decided to end their marriage. Divorce is an especially emotional process, and there may be many things left unsaid between two former romantic partners who have called it quits. There may also be things that are said but that should have been left unsaid. This is when the ease of pulling a cell phone from a pocket and quickly sending a nasty text message can cause problems.

A Growing Issue

A recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers found that 92 percent of lawyers surveyed have seen a dramatic increase in the number of cases using evidence taken from cellphones. Text messages accounted for 62 percent of the evidence taken from phones. Emails accounted for 23 percent and the remaining cell phone evidence included call histories, GPS location information, and internet search histories. It is important to remember that text messages or emails are different than a call or face to face interaction with someone. A person who you send a text to now has that text message forever, even if you later wish you could take it back.

Let Us Help

If you are going through a divorce, legal separation, annulment, custody conflict, or another family law proceeding, you do not have to face the process alone. Contact an experienced Arlington Heights family law attorney for guidance. At A. Traub & Associates our team of knowledgeable attorneys will work with you to develop a legal strategy that helps you accomplish your goals and get your life where you want it to be. Call today to schedule a confidential consultation.

Sources:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/03/tech/mobile/sms-text-message-20/

https://www.today.com/tech/divorce-lawyers-see-more-phone-evidence-especially-texts-23123