We have written many times on this blog about the dangers of using social media in connection with an ongoing divorce, custody dispute, domestic violence matter, and more.  Apparently Rachel Canning, the New Jersey teen suing her parents for financial support and college payments, is not a subscriber to the blog.  If she were, she would know that creating a Facebook page to support her suit against her parents is only going to lead to trouble.

facebook

A quick review of the Facebook page reveals the following recent posts, which are believed to have been written by Canning herself:

In New Jersey (as in most states) parents are required to support their kids through high school unless legally emancipated, which I’m not. This means that they can NOT put conditions on me being at home, which they did. They can’t get out of this. The fact that they cut my tuition was also clear bad faith, and a breach of contract with the school. What did they expect me to do, drop out? I am absolutely amazed at some of the cruel (and legally ignorant) comments I’m reading here.

…

Suburban baby boomer types are the spoiled lot, they make massive amount of money a year, they are used to flying to luxury destinations when they want, and buy things that they don’t need, people should be inclined to see things Rachel’s way.We have been stunned by the financial greed of modern parents who are more concerned with retiring into some fantasy world rather than provide for their c…hildren’s college and young adult years.

In today’s economy there are no more meaningful jobs and without family help it’s usually military or bust. We see parents like this every day, children were always an accessory to them and nothing more, once that accessory grew up and went out of fashion, much like a marriage that people allegedly commit to, the child becomes a throwaway, that’s just how it is.

Not only have these, and other posts from Canning resulted in harsh responses from many page followers, but the posts themselves constitute potential evidence for her parents to utilize, and the trial judge to rely upon, when further rendering decisions in this matter.  The judge has already made some very strong statements against Rachel’s position, including commentary addressing the gross disrespect that he believes she has shown towards her parents.  The posts may, as a result, further tarnish her image and credibility, which may also be a factor in the Court’s decision making process.
Clearly Rachel has either taken it upon herself, or been advised by others, to use the Facebook page in an effort to sway public opinion in her favor.  Perhaps she is the litigant that I previously blogged about who is simply unable to stop herself, like many other people in today’s society, from using social media to post about anything and everything.  Considering the surprisingly massive attention this Morris County case is getting, she should think twice.  The potential negatives far outweigh any nominal benefits to be gained.