Deciding to get divorced is a significant, often deeply personal decision that can affect numerous aspects of one’s life, including one’s privacy. Nowadays, personal information can be easily accessed and shared. As a result, taking steps to protect your privacy during and after your divorce is important.
You and your spouse likely shared a bond defined by trust for a long time. Perhaps you still do. Regardless, now that you and your spouse are going your separate ways, you need to assume that it’s in your best interests to safeguard your privacy from them in ways that you likely haven’t had to before.
Steps worth considering
Begin by changing passwords for all online accounts, including email, social media and financial accounts. Opt for complex passwords and consider using a password manager for enhanced security. Review your privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can see your posts and personal information. If you shared email accounts, phone plans or messaging services with your spouse, it’s time to establish your own. Obtain a new email address for personal use and consider getting a new phone number.
You’ll also want to open individual bank accounts and apply for a credit card in your name only. Review statements carefully for any unauthorized transactions and update direct deposits and automatic payments to reflect your new accounts. Just make sure to avoid making any big purchases without seeking legal guidance first, as you don’t want to be perceived as dissipating marital assets.
Finally, if you shared devices like computers, tablets or smartphones with your spouse, ensure that all your personal information is removed from these devices. This includes logging out of all accounts and deleting saved passwords. For shared streaming services or subscription accounts, decide whether to update the password and maintain the account or close the account and open a new one.
Protecting your privacy after deciding to get divorced is important, as it can help you to more successfully maintain your well-being and security. If your relationship with your spouse remains amicable, don’t take that for granted, as things can – very unfortunately – change for the worse in an instant. There is too much at stake to assume that risk.