Think Twice Before Posting Online About Your Divorce

Today some people post on blogs or online forums about their personal information and opinions. This information is then available for an untold number of strangers to read. A party going through a contested divorce case may be tempted to fire off a comment or blog post about his or her soon-to-be ex. However, that party should think twice before hitting the “post” button. In an interesting case from New York, Ira S. v. Janice S., the Court awarded a wife only 17% in her husband’s law firm business, and a major factor in the Judge’s decision was the Court’s finding that the wife contributed to the decline of the value of the husband’s law practice by making negative comments about her husband that ended up online. The husband argued that he was a “rainmaker” for his firm and that his duties involved bringing clients to the firm. The Court noted that he wife’s negative comments that ended up online affected his ability to bring in new clients, and decreased the value of his interest in the law business. The wife argued that the husband’s business decreased because he did not work as hard and because of the economic downturn. The Court agreed those were factors as well but noted that the wife “chose to bite the hand that fed her”. While New York law may be different from Illinois law, parties to a Chicago divorce should be careful about the potential financial consequences of sabotaging his or her spouse’s reputation. Generally, it is wise to refrain from posting things online. It would be unfortunate, and avoidable, if a party harmed his or her case by damaging a spouse’s reputation, whether online or via other means.  Source: http://newyorklawjournal.com/id=1202650165483?slreturn=20140322124200

Recent Post

Order of Protection for Domestic Violence

Unfortunately, some Chicago divorces or Chicago child custody disputes involve domestic violence. When domestic violence, or the threat of domestic violence, occurs a victim may petition the court for an order of protection. An order of protection is a court order...

Key Differences Between Illinois Prenups and Post-nups

Illinois Premarital Agreements Most people have heard of premarital agreements (often referred to as "prenups").  The law defines prenups as contracts drafted and signed by a couple prior to their marriage.  Illinois has a statute, known as the Illinois Uniform...

Divorced Parents Disagree over Covid Vaccines

Now that Covid vaccines are approved for children that are 12 years of age and older, some Chicago divorced parents disagree over Covid vaccines. Specifically, some divorced parents disagree as to whether their children should receive the vaccine.  Some parents...

5 Common Divorce Myths You Might Believe Too

Too often, when contemplating divorce, people believe some common divorce myths that are seemingly based on common sense.  However, the facts are often different than what people think.  It can be detrimental to your case if you enter into divorce proceedings without...

categories

If you are looking for legal advice and representation with an Illinois divorce, schedule a consultation with experienced Chicago divorce attorney, Tanya Witt, at (312) 500-5400 or info@thewittlawfirm.com.

Representing men and women in Chicago divorce and child custody cases.

This blog does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an attorney regarding your specific case.