Summer Vacations and Social Media in Custody Cases
With the Fourth of July approaching, Bryan and Janice Eggleston used Episode 82 of Cases & Cocktails to discuss an issue many parents don’t think about until it’s too late: how summertime activities can unexpectedly create problems in family law cases.
While the holiday is often filled with family gatherings, vacations, fireworks, and backyard barbecues, those same events can sometimes become evidence in a custody dispute.
Summer Possession Under Custody Orders
One topic discussed was summer possession under Texas custody orders. Many parents are surprised to learn that July 4th is not a designated holiday under the Standard Possession Order. Instead, parenting time is generally determined by the summer possession schedule already in place. This can create confusion when parents are making travel plans or scheduling holiday activities.
The conversation also highlighted the importance of communication between co-parents, especially during summer travel. Whether a child is on vacation, attending special events, or participating in holiday activities, keeping the other parent informed can often prevent unnecessary conflict and litigation.
What About Emergencies?
Another major takeaway involved injuries and emergencies. Bryan explained that if a child is injured while in a parent’s care, that parent does not need permission from the other parent to seek emergency medical treatment. However, informing the other parent as soon as reasonably possible is usually the best approach. Failing to communicate can create distrust and lead to avoidable legal disputes.
Social Media in Custody Cases
Perhaps the most valuable discussion centered on social media. Summer celebrations frequently involve photos, drinks, and gatherings with friends and family. While there may be nothing inappropriate about responsibly enjoying an adult beverage at a holiday event, photographs can easily be taken out of context during a custody case. A single image showing a parent holding a drink can later be used to create a narrative that may not accurately reflect what occurred.
Bryan shared examples of cases where photos, videos, and social media posts became points of contention in court. In many situations, the issue was not the conduct itself but how the conduct appeared when viewed by someone trying to build a negative narrative. Once allegations are made, parents often find themselves trying to disprove assumptions that were created by a photograph or video clip.
The Takeaway
The lesson is simple: be mindful of what you post online. Even innocent family photos can be misunderstood when viewed through the lens of litigation. Parents involved in custody cases should carefully consider their privacy settings, social media activity, and how their posts might be perceived by a judge, opposing counsel, or the other parent.
As families enjoy summer vacations and holiday celebrations, Bryan and Janice encourage parents to focus on safety, communication, and good decision-making. A little extra caution today can prevent significant legal headaches tomorrow.
If you’re dealing with custody, visitation, or co-parenting issues in Texas, the attorneys at The Eggleston Law Firm can help you understand your rights and responsibilities under Texas family law.
For more information, visit www.lonestarlawfirm.com
