Divorce is hard in a lot of different ways. Establishing new boundaries and protecting your personal information from intrusion is critically important as soon as you know a divorce is imminent.
The need for personal privacy can take on added importance if your divorce is likely to be particularly complicated or hostile, since your spouse may hope to raid everything from your bank accounts to your social media profiles for information that they can use against you in court.
5 steps to take to set some boundaries
Exactly what you need to do right now can vary according to your situation, but here are some actions you should definitely consider:
- Limit social media use: Be cautious about what you post on social media platforms during the divorce process. Avoid discussing your case, emotions or any personal details that could be used against you in the property division process or when it comes to matters of child custody or support. Adjust your privacy settings to restrict access to your profiles, and consider temporarily deactivating your accounts.
- Secure your electronic devices: Use strong, unique passwords for all your devices, including smartphones, tablets and computers. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible and encryption programs to protect sensitive documents.
- Change passwords and update security measures: Change the passwords for all your online accounts, including email, banking, social media and cloud storage. Use strong passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers and special characters. Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
- Protect your email communications: Use encrypted email services and secure messaging apps to communicate with your attorney or other individuals involved in the divorce proceedings. It may be wise to open a new email account that your spouse doesn’t know about.
- Consider a post office box or alternative mailing address: You may want to set up a P.O. box or arrange to have your mail sent to the house of a trusted friend or relative. That may be particularly wise if you have communications coming that you don’t want your spouse to see, whether that’s your new banking information or personal correspondence.
Remember that privacy protection is crucial, but it’s equally important to comply with legal obligations and court orders about disclosure during the divorce process. Seeking legal guidance can help you to learn more.
