How do I protect myself online during my divorce?

Divorce is a difficult and challenging time for everyone involved and the process can be especially complicated when it comes to managing online accounts and digital assets. Whether it’s social media accounts, email addresses, or online banking, it is crucial to protect yourself and your personal information during a divorce.

Here are some tips for safeguarding your online accounts and protecting yourself during this challenging time:

1. Change Your Passwords

One of the first things you should do when you know you’re headed for a divorce is to change your passwords. This is especially important for any shared accounts you have with your spouse, including email, social media, and bank accounts. You don’t want your spouse to be able to access your private information, and changing your passwords is an easy way to ensure that they can’t.

Make sure you choose strong passwords that are difficult to guess. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. If you have trouble remembering all of your passwords, consider using a password manager to keep them organised.

2. Disconnect Shared Logins

In addition to changing your passwords, it’s a good idea to disconnect any shared logins you have with your spouse. This could include shared email addresses, social media accounts, investment reports, or cloud storage accounts. When you share an account with someone, they have access to all of the information stored there, which can be problematic during a divorce.

If you have any shared logins, create new accounts for yourself and transfer any necessary information over. This will ensure that your spouse can’t access your personal information or use your accounts against you.

3. Be Careful What You Post

Social media can be a powerful tool during a divorce, but it can also be a liability if you’re not careful. Be mindful of what you post online and avoid sharing anything that could be used against you in court.

For example, posting pictures of yourself on holiday, enjoying luxuries or generally having a good time could impact your financial case by evidencing a higher standard of living than is the reality. Also the emotional impact on your spouse of such posts could be prejudicial if trying to settle matters amicably. Similarly, posting negative comments about your spouse could be used to suggest that you’re not willing to work things out or go further if there is a dispute about the children and the Court could view this as you being unable to co-parent effectively in a child focused way.

4. Monitor Your Credit Report

During a divorce, it’s important to monitor your credit report regularly to ensure that your spouse isn’t using your identity to open new accounts or run up debts in your name. You can get a free credit report once a year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com.

If you notice any suspicious activity on your credit report, report it immediately to the credit reporting agencies and the authorities. Identity theft can be devastating, and it’s important to take steps to protect yourself.

5. Get Professional Help

Finally, don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of how to protect yourself during a divorce. Our family lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. Similarly, a financial planner such as IBB Wealth, can help you manage your finances, plan your financial future post-divorce and protect your assets during this challenging time.

In summary, protecting yourself online during a divorce is crucial, as it can have significant implications for your personal and financial well-being. By following these tips, you can ensure that your online accounts and personal information are secure, and that you’re doing everything you can to protect yourself during this difficult time.

Speak to our Family Law experts

To contact the team please email familylaw@ibblaw.co.uk or call 03456 381 381.