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Divorcing couples should not underestimate the destructive power of Facebook, warns a leading matrimonial specialist at Sheffield solicitors, Taylor&Emmet LLP. 

Taylor&Emmet partner, Michaela Heathcote, is urging couples having marital trouble not to use social networking sites to criticise their partner or to seek new relationships.

Michaela said: “We are seeing Facebook referred to in an increasing number of cases because people have made disparaging comments about their partner following a separation or they have found evidence of their spouse’s infidelity. What may seem like harmless flirtation at the time, can upset other family members if taken out of context and in extreme cases, can lead to marital breakdown.”

Research in America shows that Facebook is now playing a key role in divorce and custody battles, with increasing numbers of matrimonial lawyers submitting messages and photographs posted online as evidence to support their cases.

Michaela added: “It is inevitable that UK matrimonial law will follow the American example. Facebook is already being used to garner evidence to support claims of harassment and child contact disputes and in my experience, the courts take a very dim view of clients who air their dirty laundry online. If couples have any hope of separating in a dignified and amicable manner, I would urge them to resist the temptation to share their experiences in this manner.”

Many of the fee earners in Taylor&Emmet’s family department are members of Resolution – a government-endorsed scheme promoting non-confrontational legal advice. Michaela Heathcote is also a recognised Collaborative Lawyer, one of only a few in the South Yorkshire region. The scheme, which is run by Resolution, encourages clients to work with their solicitors to reach the best solutions for their family without involving the courts.

For further information about Taylor&Emmet’s family law services, telephone (0114) 218 4000 or visit www.tayloremmet.co.uk