In today's digitally connected world, technology can have a major impact on the outcome of divorce. The digital tools we use for managing finances and keeping in touch with loved ones can influence the legal and emotional aspects of your separation.
Here are 17 ways to help prevent technology from impacting your divorce, with practical tips for protecting yourself.
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Cancel Shared Online Accounts
If you and your ex have shared social media accounts or subscription services like Netflix, Spotify, Amazon, or online gaming platforms, be sure to close the accounts and create new ones. If you still share these apps, your ex may have access to personal information like your viewing history or payment details. Download any important photos or documents you want to keep before canceling the services.
Tip: You can transfer the ownership of shared subscriptions. For services like Netflix, you can change the primary account holder; for apps like Spotify, you can move to an individual plan.
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Monitor Shared Cloud Storage
If you and your ex used a shared cloud storage system for photos, documents, or videos, you may need to either transfer ownership or remove your files from the platform. Cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and iCloud often store sensitive information that your ex could still access.
Tip: Download any important files and delete them from shared folders. You may want to create your own account or switch to a separate storage service to keep your documents safe. Services like Google Takeout allow you to download all data from Gmail, Google Photos, Google Docs, and more.
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Watch What You Say on Social Media
What you post, like, or even comment on social media can be used against you in court. Inflammatory posts, angry rants, oversharing, and even positive remarks can damage your case. Even private messages or comments can be subpoenaed if they are relevant to custody, finances, or other matters in your divorce.
Tip: Avoid posting about your ex or the divorce on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or X. Be mindful that your posts are public (even if you believe they are private), and remember that anything you share can potentially be used as evidence.
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Disable Location Tracking
If you have location-sharing apps or GPS services activated, your ex could track your movements. This can invade privacy and be used to manipulate your actions or even harass you. Common apps that track your location include Google Maps, Life360, Find My iPhone, and Find My Device. Additionally, disable location-sharing in apps like Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp.
It's important to turn off the location-tracking feature on your personal devices entirely. If you need to use GPS, you can turn on your location manually and turn it off once you arrive at your destination.
Tip: To turn off location services on an iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and adjust or disable these settings. For Android, go to Settings > Location.
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Cancel Shared Phone Services
With shared phone services or family plans, not only are there financial concerns, but your spouse may have access to your call logs, text messages, or other sensitive data. To protect your privacy, consider canceling joint phone plans and switching to individual service providers.
Tip: Be sure to contact your carrier directly to separate the accounts and ensure your privacy is maintained.
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Clear History from Shared Computers
If you share a computer with your spouse or ex-partner, it's critical to clear the browser history, saved passwords, and other sensitive information that may be accessible. Your internet history could contain private searches related to your divorce or personal matters you don't want your spouse to discover.
Tip: In addition to clearing the browser history, consider using a private browsing mode or an incognito window for any future online activity that you wish to keep confidential.
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Look Out for Stored Credit Card Information
Online platforms like Amazon, eBay, and PayPal may store your credit card or other billing information for easy purchasing. During a divorce, it's important to check these accounts and remove any stored payment details that your ex might have access to. This will prevent them from making unauthorized purchases or accessing your financial information.
Tip: You can remove any saved credit cards or billing addresses by going to your payment settings in most online accounts. During the divorce, enter your card information manually for purchases and do not select the "save payment information" option.
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Change All Your Passwords
Even in an amicable divorce, it's essential to change your passwords across all accounts—social media, email, online banking, and any other services to which your ex-partner might have access. Use strong, unique passwords to block unauthorized access.
Tip: Consider using a password manager, like 1Passwordor NordPass, to generate and store complex passwords securely. Avoid obvious passwords such as your name, birth date, or simple combinations.
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Activate a Factory Reset for Shared Devices
If you and your ex have shared devices, like laptops, tablets, or smartphones, consider performing a factory reset on any devices that both of you will no longer use. A factory reset will erase all settings, personal data, and apps, ensuring your ex can't access sensitive information.
Tip: Remember to back up any important data before performing a factory reset. After the reset, double-check that your accounts have been removed from all devices.
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Protect Your Financial Information Online
During a divorce, one of the most sensitive areas is finances. Your spouse may have access to joint accounts, credit cards, or other financial platforms you used during marriage. Ensure that all financial details—banking apps, investments, and credit card information—are secure.
Tip: Update login details for bank accounts, PayPal, Venmo, and any shared financial apps like Mint. Consider freezing joint credit cards to prevent any unauthorized activity. Speak with your financial advisor as soon as possible.
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Understand E-Signatures in Legal Documents
Many divorce-related documents are signed electronically using platforms like DocuSign or Adobe Sign. Be sure that you fully understand what documents you are signing and that you are not inadvertently agreeing to anything that could be used against you later.
Tip: Carefully review all e-signatures before finalizing them. Consult your attorney if you need clarification on any part of the legal process.
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Secure Your Social Security Number and Tax Information
Your social security number (SSN), tax returns, and other private documents should be kept secure at all costs during a divorce. Your ex may attempt to access this information for financial or legal purposes, so it's crucial to protect it digitally.
Tip: Store sensitive information in encrypted digital files or use a password-protected service like Google Drive or a secure cloud storage provider. Always delete personal documents from shared devices.
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Check for Hidden Apps or Monitoring Software
In some unfortunate cases, an ex may install spyware or tracking software on your devices to monitor your activities. Be vigilant about checking your devices for any suspicious apps or software that could be running secretly.
Tip: Use apps like Malwarebytes or Avast to scan your devices for any malicious software or spyware. Additionally, be aware of any unusual device activity or performance issues.
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Set Up Private Email Accounts
If you and your spouse share an email account, creating a new, private email account that only you control is a good idea. This way, your personal correspondence during the divorce process will remain confidential.
Tip: Consider using a secure email service like Proton Mail or Tuta, which offer end-to-end encryption for extra protection.
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Keep Your Calendar Private
Shared calendars, whether via Google Calendar or iCloud, can reveal your activities and locations. Ensure your calendar entries remain private, especially if your ex can access it.
Tip: Use a separate, private calendar app and adjust settings to make sure your appointments or meetings are not shared with anyone unintentionally.
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Be Mindful of Online Dating Apps
After a separation, many people turn to online dating to meet new people. However, these platforms can expose your personal life to your ex or others involved in the divorce.
Tip: If you're using dating apps, be cautious about the information you share and ensure your profile doesn't inadvertently hint at details that could impact the divorce process.
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Keep Messaging Secure
If you need to communicate with your attorney or other important parties during the divorce, consider using encrypted messaging tools. Regular text messages may not be secure, and sensitive information could be intercepted.
Tip: Use encrypted messaging services like Signal or WhatsApp to protect your communications from being monitored.
If you are involved in a divorce and are unsure about your digital security and privacy, a skilled divorce lawyer at Bikel Rosenthal & Schanfield LLP can help. Contact us today at 212.682.6222 or Connect Online.