Social media isn’t just a part of everyday life — it has become a source of evidence and influence in legal proceedings. What people share on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook can be examined by opposing parties or even introduced in court if it’s relevant to the issues being decided, including in divorce cases and custody disputes.

How can what is shared online impact family law matters? Take, for example, if a parent claims financial hardship but posts photos of expensive purchases, luxury vacations, or frequent outings to costly events; it can raise questions about the accuracy of the claims. In one widely publicized 2025 case, Instagram posts were used as evidence in court to challenge an individual’s claims about his financial situation during a divorce, ultimately exposing a six-figure discrepancy during division of asset negotiations.

Similarly, if one parent is vying for custody of a child, but is also sharing photos of travel to different locations or posting pics of late night revelry, it could suggest a lack of presence at home - something that could be taken into consideration by the courts. Social media can also come into play when infidelity is involved. Posts made by a boyfriend or girlfriend, comments from friends, and even geographic tags can become evidence of a case.

Experts in one news report cautioned that, while deleting content or history may help conceal questionable content temporarily, it may also be viewed as a attempt to destroy evidence and have harmful consequences. A better move is to first be mindful of the digital presence you project and how it could affect your case. Of important note: “e-discovery” doesn’t just refer to social media or texts. It can include emails, internet browsing history, app usage, and even location data from your smartphone.

Because social media and other electronic evidence can quickly complicate a divorce, a knowledgeable family law attorney can provide guidance on how to best safeguard your financial, parental and legal interests. Contact the top Bucks County divorce law firm of Williams Family Law at 215-340-2207, or via email at info@bucksfamilylawyers.com.