The advancement of technology that we use in our day-to-day lives has changed how we interact in our relationships and the steps we must take as we end them. Our cellphones, tablets, and laptops contain an alarming amount of sensitive information in one single place.
If proper steps are not taken to ensure the security of your electronic devices and accounts, your personal information, including communications with your attorneys, are are at risk of either inadvertent or intentional access by your soon-to-be-ex-spouse or partner. While you cannot delete electronic information in anticipation of litigation (doing so can result in legal repercussions), you can and should take steps to protect your private information.
What can you do to protect yourself and your personal information?
Change Passwords
Before you file for divorce, consider changing passwords to your personal accounts, including but not limited to your personal and work e-mail addresses, your iCloud or Cloud accounts that are solely in your name, your social media accounts, and your personal electronic devices. Any login and password information saved on devices can be easily accessed on a jointly used laptop or computer or accessed from afar by guessing frequently used passwords or security question answers.
Update or Delete Location – related applications
If you use applications on your mobile device or other personal devices, such as “friend finder” or “find my iPhone,” you should consider either deleting these applications or turning the function off. This is especially crucial if you are the victim of domestic violence.
Limit Your Social Media Presence
While it has become part of many people’s daily routine to utilize social media to share information about their lives, social media gives many people access to information that could ultimately be used in litigation. Likewise, if you are concerned about your ex-partner’s access to your location or anything that might indicate where you are at any given time, you should consider limiting your social media presence and ensuring that you have the highest privacy settings possible on your accounts.
Unfortunately technology (the advancements in technology, its availability, and the frequency at which we use it) has made cyberstalking, wiretapping, and various forms of spying far easier. While there are some civil and criminal remedies available for these types of invasions of privacy, it is important to protect your information prior to a potential breach.
At GEM Family Law, we take our client’s privacy concerns when filing for divorce very seriously. Our attorneys are equipped to handle and guide you through the difficulties of the divorce process. Call 720-443-4892 to schedule your free consultation today.