Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter have made the transition from being distractions to parts of everyday life in recent years.
But social media has not been considered as a means of serving divorce papers – until now.
The comments of a judge in a case in New York has raised the possibility of "divorce by Facebook," CNN reports.
Ellanora Arthur Baidoo from Brooklyn has been trying to divorce her husband for several years, according to her attorney. However, lawyers were unsuccessful in tracking down Victor Sena Blood-Dzraku to serve him the papers. Baidoo was able to reach her husband by phone but he informed her he has no fixed address and no place of work, court documents stated.
"He has also refused to make himself available to be served," the document said.
The report said Baidoo had exhausted other ways of serving the papers on her husband so she filed an application asking for "service by alternate means," in this case, via social media.
Comments made by Justice Matthew Cooper in the case suggest social media may become an acceptable way of serving divorce papers in the future. The judge said the "advent and ascendency of social media," means sites like Facebook and Twitter are the "next frontier" as "forums through which a summons can be delivered."
There are still a number of potential issues before Facebook becomes an accepted part of the divorce process. Before Cooper agreed to the use of Facebook, Baidoo had to prove the Facebook account she intended to use belonged to her husband, and that he consistently logged on to the account and would see the summons.
The CNN report said Baidoo's marriage to Blood-Dzraku started to unravel shortly after they were married in 2009 because her husband refused to participate in a Ghanaian wedding ceremony that would include both their families. The couple never lived together.
Lawyers acting for Baidoo have contacted Blood-Dzraku twice on Facebook, but he has yet to respond.
Social media has changed the way we live our lives and interact with each other so it's natural that it may end up playing a greater part in a wide range of legal proceedings at some point in the future. There are many obstacles and difficulties that are experienced in break-ups and divorces. A Columbia divorce attorney can help you deal with many of these issues and smooth the process. See our frequently asked questions on divorce in South Carolina or call Masella Law at 803.938.4952.