Facebook Passwords Must Be Shared in Divorce Case

A Connecticut judge ruled earlier this week that a divorcing couple was required to turn over their passwords to several popular social media sites.   The ruling came after the husband in the case revealed his wife, Courtney Gallion, had been writing incriminating posts on Facebook about her feelings towards the children and her ability to care for the then.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Gallion were required to turn over their passwords for Facebook, eHarmony and Match.com accounts.

The Gallion ruling is the latest in a string of cases evidencing just how significantly social media is affecting litigation.  In March 2011, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers issued the result of surveying, which reported that 80% of divorce cases now include evidence from social media sites.

A reminder for all those involved in any kind of limitation – if you wouldn’t want a Judge to read it, DON’T put it online!