Study: Facebook cited in one-third of divorce filings

(FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - As Facebook becomes more and more popular, the social networking site isn't just playing a role in teenage break-ups anymore.

A new study by Divorce Online found that more than a third of divorce filings contained the word "Facebook," and more than 80 percent of U.S. divorce attorneys say they have seen a rise the number of cases the involve social networking.

"Facebook is a factor in divorces. Spouses are always trying to spy on the other one using computers," Alan Pransky, a Dedham divorce attorney, told FOX 25's Heather Hegedus.

Pransky says judges in Massachusetts often find other evidence found on spouses' computers inadmissible in court.

"People can use illegal methods to get into someone else's computer - spying - it's like the police searching without a warrant - judges don't like to encourage that behavior," Pransky said.

However, judges usually see Facebook as fair game.

"Facebook is open to the public, it's legal, and not only is it open to the public - people don't always have control over what they put on it," Pransky explained.

Pransky says Facebook is becoming a new tool for divorce attorneys like himself.

"We look all the time but don't always find stuff," admitted Pransky.

Cox Media Group