Whether or not you realize it, your electronic data could play a major role in your divorce. Your soon-to-be ex could use information that he or she is able to obtain from your online accounts and communication devices against you in court. If you are heading towards a divorce, here are some steps you need to take to protect your electronic data.
Switch to an Individual Phone Plan
As long as you are on a shared phone plan with your spouse, he or she can gain access to the information in your account. Numbers you have called and texted can be obtained from your mobile phone service provider. He or she could even track your phone's activity using a feature available through most providers. By switching to an individual plan, you can make it difficult for your spouse to get your data.
It is important to note that your spouse more than likely has information that could be used to access your individual account. For instance, some providers will allow access if a caller can verify the Social Security number and birth date of the account holder. If you suspect your spouse would do this, ask for an additional layer of protection, such as a password or PIN that has to be provided to get information.
Make Your Social Networking Accounts Private
Social networking makes it easy to share information with friends and family. Unfortunately, everything you post on your accounts could be used against you. Your spouse could take screenshots of your profiles and provide information to the court that could be hurtful.
Take the time now to check your privacy settings. If possible, make all of your accounts private until after the divorce is completed. You also need to review your friends and followers. If there is someone on your list who would share information with your spouse, consider blocking or limiting his or her access to your accounts.
Disable Your Location Tracking
There are a number of apps that are on your mobile phone and tablet that track your whereabouts. If your spouse can gain access to the logins for those accounts, he or she will have up to the minute information about where you are at all times.
Disabling the location tracking not only prevents this, but also keeps social networking apps from posting your location with your status updates.
Your divorce attorney can help you review your other electronic usage and determine what further steps you need to take to protect yourself. If you don't have an attorney, contact Kalamarides & Lambert for more information.
Share24 February 2017
Are you going through a divorce? Do you have kids? If so, do you know how to handle the many struggles you will face when it comes to your kids? Even if you and your spouse can get through the divorce while agreeing on the custody arrangements, there will be struggles that you may not have planned for. For example, who will handle the educational, medical or other decisions about the kids? Is it something that you will decide together, or will one parent make the decision and the other one agree? My site contains several tips that can help you plan for the struggles you will go through in the future and make the situation a little easier for your entire family.