What happens to all your emails, texts, Tweets, Facebook posts and other digital information during a divorce?
Electronic data has become more and more important in divorce cases as computers and smartphones have become more and more ubiquitous. The rise of social media has made it so that there is so much information you can find about a person through the Internet. But how is it used in divorce cases, and what can you do to protect your data?
- Don’t delete anything! Your emails, your social media updates, and all electronic data should not be tampered with. It creates the impression of wrongdoing and could be considered spoliation of evidence, which can result in fines or other sanctions.
- Restrict your online activity while the divorce is ongoing. Don’t post about any new relationships or anything that might suggest you are spending money frivolously.
- Change ALL your passwords and your security questions for account recovery. Make sure the answers are things only you know and that your ex-spouse cannot find out.
- Use a new email address for your personal business.
- Adjust your privacy settings on social media accordingly.
- Have control of your electronic devices. Many people sync contacts, calendars and other information across different devices, which could lead to unauthorized access to your accounts.
- Don’t try to dig up information on your spouse without the assistance of an attorney. Some methods of acquiring digital data may be illegal, and you don’t want to have that reflected on you.
Denver divorce attorneys assisting Colorado families in matters of family law, through tailored actions designed to secure the best outcome.