Confidentiality - This Applies To You Too - Not Just Your Lawyer!
All lawyers / solicitors are bound by confidentiality. This means that they can not divulge any details of their clients cases; even after a client has died.
This applies to all aspects of family law because family proceedings are carried out in secret and in the strictest confidence. Statements, court-orders and any other documentation should never be disclosed to other people who are not directly involved in the case. The only exception to this rule can be when a court has given specific permission. To do otherwise could be contempt of court and this is quite serious and carries the penalty of a fine, community service and in some instances, a prison sentence.
Given all the above, you should keep in mind the following points:
Never verbally share any information about your case – not even with close family member, like your mother, or close friends, no matter how much they’re looking out for you and regardless of how much they might pressure you to divulge. Unbeknownst to you, they could repeat something to a third party – in all innocence - or even be tempted to say something on social media!
Never send copies of any official documentation - relating to your case, to family, friends or indeed any other third parties.
Never put anything, relating to your case, on social media platforms......even if you are feeling elated because you have won a long ongoing case or a court order!
It is important that you recognise and abide by the above levels of privacy since not to do so could not only affect the desired outcome of your case, but also, it could so very easily make you a ‘guilty’ party with some quite series ramifications. For advice or any questions relating to confidentiality talk to RJS Family Law