While the popularity of using Facebook to reconnect with friends has soared, it has also become a common reason for divorce as well as evidence in divorce proceedings.

Some are finding that when they have made the decision to divorce because of a spouse having an affair, more often the affairs have been started with a connection to Facebook.

People looking for proof of possible infidelity use Facebook because it provides easy access to a person's life -- who they connect with and what the conversations have been about. It can have an effect in alimony cases where there is a dispute and it can be put to rest with a little detective work on a person's online profile.

In a recent case, a spouse was awarded alimony, but would not be entitled to it if she was living with a member of the opposite sex. When questioned about her living arrangements, she claimed to live alone. What she didn't count on was that with a little Facebook investigation by her ex husband, he was able to provide to the judge posts bragging about her new relationship status and a recent move to a new home. She then admitted to the relationship and living situation and the alimony was dismissed.

As a father or husband heading for divorce, you need to contact an attorney that specializes in family law and father's rights. An attorney can help develop a plan for divorce and post-divorce disputes such as child custody, parenting time, child support, and alimony. They will become your advocate and help you navigate the complexities involved with divorce and work out a solution that best fits your needs.

The best advice for using social media is to think about what you are posting and realize that your conversation records are out in cyberspace forever.

Source: Pottstown Patch, "Facebook May Be Used Against You In Court, Local Lawyers Say," James Myers, Feb. 1, 2012