Important Electronic Data Considerations When You Initiate a Divorce

The decision to file for a divorce is not an easy one, but it's important to go the extra mile to make it as easy as possible on yourself and your family. See a divorce lawyer as early in process as possible for advice on protecting your best interests throughout this difficult time. Asset protection isn't as simple as one may first think. Some assets are hard to quantify.

One way to safeguard your personal information is to make sure that your electronic data is secure through this time of change. Weigh these considerations to ensure that your electronic data is kept safe before, during, and after your divorce.

Consideration #1: Change Your Passwords Immediately for Better Security 

Many married couples trust each other so much that they openly share password data, and many couples even use the same passwords on all accounts. All that must change when filing for a divorce. No matter how much you trusted your partner previously, divorce can bring out the worst in previously loving couples. Take all steps necessary to change your passwords right away.

Consideration #2: Lock Down Privacy on Social Media Accounts

A lot of people use social media to snoop on exes. When you think about it, that's pretty easy for people to do since so much information can be gathered by simply looking at one's social media profiles. Protect yourself as much as possible by removing personal information from public social media profiles. You can make Instagram and Twitter accounts private, and you can set all Facebook posts to be set to "friends only" or even have a default mode to private.

Consideration #3: Accept That Nothing Is Protected If It's Posted Online

Once you secure your social media accounts, you may feel safe posting things online. However, you really cannot be too careful. If you share information on a Facebook status update, you should consider that to be public knowledge. It's too easy to screenshot or copy and paste information online. If you want to keep information private, do not even think of sharing it online.

Consideration #4: Start Over With Online Accounts That May Be Compromised

If you are concerned that your ex or someone else may have direct access to one of your online accounts, try to shut it down or delete it immediately. If you don't have a way to keep your ex out of the account, try to get your named remove from it and start a brand new account instead.

Finally, keep in mind that electronic data is an increasing concern among divorcing couples. Your specific concerns will be unique to the relationship that you and your soon-to-be ex have. It's important to consider all possibilities and remove the level of trust that you had in your former partner. Ask your divorce lawyer for advice whenever you need as you pursue a divorce. 


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