Cordell & Cordell's Scott Trout talks with Dr. Phil about using social networking as evidence in divorce cases

Scott Trout, managing partner of domestic litigation firm Cordell & Cordell P.C., appeared on nationally syndicated talk show Dr. Phil  on Wednesday to talk about the increasing prevalence of using evidence found on social networking sites in divorce cases.

Sites like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter have become a “treasure trove of information,” Trout told Dr. Phil (click here to view the video). “It’s the things you wouldn’t expect being a problem that are a problem.”

For instance, posting seemingly innocent photos of your brand new car or you on a vacation while going through a divorce can come back and haunt you if you say you are unable to pay a certain level of child support or maintenance, according to Trout.

“When he says, ‘I can’t pay child support or alimony,’ and he buys a Porsche, we’ve got a problem,” he said.

Read on for Trout’s list of online don’ts when going through a divorce.

Online Don’ts when going through a divorce:

1. Don’t let it all hang out. Make sure to avoid having indecent and inappropriate photos of yourself posted online.
2. Don’t show off by showing pictures of new cars, recent vacations, etc., that can come back and hurt you.
3. Don’t get tagged by your friend’s pictures. Even if you aren’t posting photos to Facebook or MySpace, your friends might be so don’t let them show pictures of you that could hurt you.
4. Don’t talk about trial strategy.
5. Don’t talk smack about each other or judges or opposing counsel.
6. Don’t vent about the kids. Don’t put your kids in the middle of your divorce.

Scott C. Trout is the Managing Partner of Cordell & Cordell, P.C., a firm focusing exclusively on domestic relations.

Mr. Trout practices all types of divorce, including complex asset and business valuation, in Missouri, Illinois and Georgia. Mr. Trout has been recognized as one of the leading attorneys in the family law area. He has excellent courtroom presence and is well respected by judges, opposing counsel and most importantly, his clients. He has appeared in all three District Appellate Courts in the State of Missouri, the Missouri Supreme Court, the 5th District Appellate Court in Illinois, as well as the 7th Circuit of the United States Court of Appeals.

Mr. Trout has been recognized by his peers and his professional accomplishments by being named Super Lawyer in the area of Domestic Relations for 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

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