If you are like most people, you have at least one social media profile that you use to share photos and ideas and keep up with family and friends. Hopefully, you have read the warnings about privacy settings and you know who has access to the pictures and updates you are posting. If you decide to file for divorce, you can be sure that lawyers for your spouse will also be sifting through that information looking for anything that will strengthen their case against you.
Consider taking the following precautions to protect your electronic data when going through a divorce:
- Avoid deleting large amounts of email, pictures, or social media posts all at once. You do not want to create an impression that you are covering up or trying to hide something.
- Keep your social media posts to a bare minimum. Avoid announcing a new relationship or posting pictures that feature you spending money or acting irresponsibly. Any status updates that you provide should be completely innocuous and not something that will invite attack. Many people going through divorce proceedings choose to abstain from social media completely or deactivate their accounts until the divorce is final. If you choose to continue to use social media, check and tighten your privacy settings so you know exactly who sees your posts.
- Stop using online shared calendars. Synced family calendars may be convenient, but it can also allow other parties access to the devices you use.
- Get a new email account and only use that one moving forward. Change user names and passwords for existing accounts to protect your privacy. Make sure the new passwords are not something your spouse can easily guess.
- Location tracking should be disabled on your devices.
Social Media is Becoming a Significant Factor in Divorce Proceedings
Just as some couples have pre-nuptial agreements for their finances, many are now drafting social media clauses that define what electronic data can be shared without written consent should a marriage hit the rocks. It is not yet clear how these clauses will be enforced, but they may become significant in divorce proceedings when combined with other factors.
It is important to keep in mind that your online appearance can help or hurt you and it is impossible to retract information or photos once they are on the internet. The laws regarding who can access your information online varies from state to state. If you are considering a divorce in Maryland, it would be wise to consult with an experienced family law attorney who can advise you on what information may be considered admissible in court.
Towson Divorce Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Help Clients Protect Their Electronic Data During Divorce
The experienced Towson divorce lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC will help you determine the most appropriate legal course of action. For more information, call us at 443-589-0150 for a free consultation or contact us online. Our offices are located in Hunt Valley, Towson and Pikesville, serving clients in Baltimore County, Howard County, Harford County and Carroll County.