Beware of Your Posts on Facebook and Twitter! They Can Cost You

A recent article in USA Today highlighted the need for following all the terms of an agreement, including the terms that sometimes seem minor or potentially unimportant. The USA Today article told the story of Dana Snay. Dana posted a comment on Facebook about her father’s $80,000 settlement with Gulliver Preparatory School. Snay’s father sued the school for age discrimination. The two sides agreed on an $80,000 settlement. One of the conditions of the settlement was that the terms of the settlement be kept confidential. Despite the requirement for confidentiality, the elder Snay told his daughter about the terms of the settlement.

She proceeded to put the following post on Facebook:

“Mama and Papa Snay won the case against Gulliver. Gulliver is now officially paying for my vacation to Europe this summer. SUCK IT!”

The school refused to pay the settlement because they alleged Mr. Snay violated the confidentiality provision of the agreement. The Court of Appeals agreed stating, “Snay violated the agreement by doing exactly what he promised not to do.”

This story highlights the importance of understanding and abiding by all terms contained in an agreement. This includes child custody agreements, child support agreements and marital settlement agreements.

The story also highlights the need for discretion and sound judgment when using social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

For more information on this topic or any other topic related to issues of divorce, custody, mediation resolutions, support or family law attorneys in general, please contact Tim Colgan at (800) 615-0115.