In today’s digital world, most people use a digital device to communicate via talk and text, at a minimum. Many people also use cell phones, tablets, laptops, and other devices to post on social media, conduct online banking, or research various topics. All the ways we use devices can leave a digital footprint. This information can be used against you in a divorce, so you must protect it.
Our law firm offers practical advice for protecting digital devices during divorce. Our legal team’s divorce lawyers can answer any questions you have about the divorce process.
How to Protect Your Cell Phone, Devices, and Online Communications
In a divorce, protecting yourself on all fronts, including digitally, is a good idea. These tips can help prevent your cell phone or other device from being used against you during divorce proceedings:
- Stop using the device immediately – If you think something on your device may cause an issue for your case, stop using the device and transfer the files. You should copy recognized, user-created, uploaded, or downloaded files to a removable drive.
- Replace your cell phone – You should replace your old cell phone with a new phone. Do not copy the data from the old phone to the new one. If you must continue communications that could be used against you, use a prepaid burner phone. If your divorce case requires that you preserve all electronic evidence, refrain from potentially damaging communications, even when using a burner.
- Replace your computer’s hard drive – If you use a laptop or desktop computer, replace its hard drive. Do not connect the old computer to the new one. Do not copy files from the old computer onto the new one.
- Replace your passwords – Replace every password you have, from your Amazon account to your online bank. Choose new passwords that are not something your spouse (or anyone else) can figure out. Enable all security features on your device. Never connect to Wi-Fi that your spouse can access.
- Get new email addresses – Get new email addresses with new passwords.
Other Ways You Can Protect Yourself
There are some other things you can do to safeguard yourself online during a divorce case, including:
- Cancel shared accounts like Spotify, Netflix, or online gaming platforms
- Do not upload photos, videos, or information to a shared cloud
- Remove credit card information from online stores, PayPal, Venmo, or any other platform or app that may store it
- Be careful what you post on social media
- Be careful about the information you share on dating apps
- Disable location tracking on your phone or devices
- Keep your calendar private
Contact The Law Offices of Gildin & Chapman for Help with Your Divorce
The Law Offices of Gildin & Chapman have over 50 years of combined legal experience. Our New York divorce attorneys have guided thousands of clients through the divorce process. We are here to answer your questions and advocate for you.
Let us help protect you during your divorce case. Contact us online or call today for a free consultation.
