3 Tips to Help Protect Your Privacy During an Illinois Divorce

 Posted on March 10,2020 in Divorce

Although it is not impossible to have an amicable divorce, that is not always the case for some couples. Depending on the circumstances, it can be difficult to push your feelings about your spouse and the end of your marriage aside so you can work together peacefully. Divorce is a stressful situation that can, unfortunately, bring out the worst in some people. Some spouses can become controlling, and they may be tempted to spy on each other through the use of electronic devices. In these contentious situations, it is important that you take the steps needed to protect your electronic devices and the information stored on them from your spouse. Below are a few practical ways you can protect your privacy from your spouse’s interference.

Change Your Passwords

You may think that password-protected information is always safe. However, this is not always true. Even if you have passwords protecting devices like your cell phone, your computer, or different financial accounts, you should still change them to prevent your spouse from gaining access. This can be especially useful if you have previously used your spouse’s devices to log in to certain accounts, because password information may have been saved. Be sure to use unique passwords for each account, and choose passwords that your spouse will not be likely to guess. By ensuring that your spouse cannot access your accounts, you can prevent them from taking actions such as dissipating marital assets by transferring money from a joint account into a personal account.

Purchase Your Own Cell Phone Plan

It is not uncommon for families to share cell phone service and data plans. While this can be a cost-saving measure, it can also be a privacy concern for spouses who are getting a divorce. Sharing a phone plan can leave your phone line open to tampering from your spouse if he or she is a designated user on the account. Your spouse may be able to view call logs, access voice mail, or obtain other information that they plan to use against you as evidence during court proceedings. 

Be Cautious of Shared Family Accounts

There are a variety of other services that link accounts between devices, and this could lead to privacy issues. For example, iCloud or Android Device Manager accounts can be helpful in assisting with finding your devices, but to do that, they use location services. If your spouse has access to these accounts, they may be able to track your movements. Turning location services off or creating separate accounts can prevent this, which can be essential in cases involving stalking or harassment.

Contact an Oswego Divorce Lawyer 

Any divorce can be challenging, even if you and your spouse are parting ways on good terms. If you suspect that your spouse is snooping on you, you need a skilled Kendall County divorce attorney who has experience dealing with contentious spouses. At the Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., we can help ensure you are doing everything you can to protect your privacy. To schedule a confidential consultation, call our office today at 630-409-8184.

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jefflanders/2016/12/22/how-is-electronic-data-handled-in-divorce/#3299f5742246

https://www.techlicious.com/tip/10-tech-issues-to-consider-if-youre-going-through-a-divorce/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/komando/2014/07/11/divorce-change-online-passwords/12265105/