You can pass on your instructions for your divorce case through Whatsapp messages or email, as long as you and your lawyer agree on the terms and conditions of such communication. Whatsapp messages and email are considered as valid evidence in Indian courts, as they fall under the category of electronic records under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. However, you should also be aware of the risks and challenges of using such modes of communication, such as:
- The authenticity and integrity of the messages or email may be questioned or challenged by the other party or the court, as they can be easily manipulated, deleted, hacked or forged.
- The confidentiality and privacy of the messages or email may be compromised or violated by third parties, such as service providers, hackers, spyware, etc.
- The admissibility and reliability of the messages or email may depend on various factors, such as the source, destination, date, time, signature, encryption, etc., of the communication. You may also need to produce additional evidence or witnesses to corroborate or support your messages or email.
Therefore, you should follow some best practices and precautions while communicating with your lawyer through Whatsapp messages or email, such as:
- You should have a written agreement or contract with your lawyer that specifies the scope, purpose, frequency and mode of communication between you and your lawyer. The agreement should also mention the fees, expenses, responsibilities and liabilities of both parties in relation to the communication.
- You should use a secure and reliable platform or service for sending and receiving messages or email. You should also use strong passwords, encryption, antivirus software and other security measures to protect your devices and accounts from unauthorized access or interference.
- You should keep a backup or copy of all your messages or email in a safe place. You should also maintain a record of the date, time, sender, receiver and subject of each message or email. You should also avoid deleting or altering any message or email that may be relevant for your case.
- You should use clear and concise language and avoid any ambiguity or misunderstanding in your messages or email. You should also avoid using any abusive, offensive or defamatory language that may harm your reputation or case. You should also respect the professional ethics and etiquette of your lawyer and avoid any unnecessary or excessive communication.
The best mode of communication for your situation may depend on your personal preference and convenience. However, some of the advantages and disadvantages of using Whatsapp messages or email are:
- Whatsapp messages are faster and easier to send and receive than email. They are also more interactive and informal than email. However, Whatsapp messages may not have a legal validity or recognition in some countries or jurisdictions. They may also have a lower quality or resolution than email. They may also be subject to data charges or network issues.
- Email is more formal and professional than Whatsapp messages. They are also more widely accepted and recognized as legal evidence in most countries or jurisdictions. They can also have a higher quality or resolution than Whatsapp messages. They can also attach documents, images, videos or other files that may be relevant for your case. However, email may be slower and harder to send and receive than Whatsapp messages. They may also be less interactive and more impersonal than Whatsapp messages. They may also be subject to spam filters or storage limits.
You can avoid conflicts with your lawyer by communicating with him/her in a respectful, honest and cooperative manner. You should also follow his/her advice and instructions regarding your case. You should also pay his/her fees and expenses on time and in full. You should also inform him/her about any changes or developments in your situation that may affect your case.