Protecting Personal Information During a Divorce

Enhancing Security

Maintaining the security of your personal information is more important than ever in today’s digital age. Hacking is becoming more prevalent with the advancements in technology, and those with malicious intent can steal information with the goal of taking advantage of your vulnerability and using it against you.

While your ex-spouse may not be a computer hacker, there are still reasons to be concerned about sensitive details such as bank statements or online passwords. You do not want your ex-spouse to use anything against you during your divorce proceedings. In order to better protect yourself and your case, here are several steps you can take to enhance your personal security and protect your privacy.

Agree to Privacy Beforehand

In many cases prior to a divorce proceeding or trial hearing, a divorcing couple will put an agreement into place that states each person will respect the other’s private information throughout the process. Maintaining an agreement of some sort can ensure that both parties can have peace of mind regarding their sensitive information and do not have to worry about the other party using information for personal benefit or a better settlement.

Change Your Passwords

Almost every website that allows you to have an account suggests changing your password every so often. If there is a chance that your spouse might know your password to your email, bank information, social media accounts, or other personal information, you should consider changing your passwords to something unique.

A common suggestion for a secure password is to use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters such as a dollar sign or slash. You should also avoid using common password ideas, such as any password that contains personal information like a name or a password that is easy to guess. A more complex password adds a layer of protection to your privacy.

Stay Off Social Media

While it may be tempting to post about your divorce on your Facebook or live-tweet your hearings, a smarter thing to do would be to stay off of social media throughout the entirety of your divorce. Posting information about your divorce in a public forum can not only make you look bad in court but could also have ramifications regarding your settlement agreement.

Forward Mail

If you still live at home with your spouse throughout your divorce, chances are he or she may be able to see any mail that comes to you and open it. If you receive credit card or bank statements in the mail or any other letter that may contain sensitive information, consider having that mail forwarded to another address, such as your parents’ house.

Lock Up Documents

You should look into locking any personal documents that you have in your home in a place that your spouse cannot get to. Investing in a safe or having someone else house those documents can prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.

Protect Finances

Financial records play a big role in determining child custody and any related support payments. In addition, hiding any assets can have a detrimental effect on the settlement agreement. You should avoid hiding assets in secret, but you can take steps to protect the money that is rightfully yours.

First, look into opening a separate bank account if you have a joint account with your spouse. Joint accounts allow for both you and your spouse to access records and statements. By opening a separate account, you avoid that possibility and are able to transfer any direct deposits into your separate account, thereby keeping your earned money safe.

Second, look into applying for a separate credit card if you and your spouse share cards or enable the other as an authorized user. Not only does doing so further protect your finances, but this also gives you the opportunity to build on your credit score apart from your spouse’s.

Hire An Attorney

Going through a divorce and figuring out how to protect your information at the same time is difficult to do on your own. You need an attorney to help guide you through the process while fighting for what is yours.

Anne E. Raduns, PA is the premier attorney in Ocala and can help you better keep yourself safe. Call today at (352) 310-8235 or fill out our contact form to set up your consultation.