If you are facing divorce, you probably know what is in store for you in the near future. One or both spouses will move out of the family home, children may move between parents and you will have to figure out what your financial life looks like during your separation. During this time of transition, you will also have to file paperwork and pursue a divorce order that allows you to have a strong and stable future.
In the midst of all of this, it is easy to overlook a few things. However, one of the things you would be wise not to forget to do is a digital divorce as well. In today’s world, divorce involves much more than just a division of property, finances and time with the children. It also requires a deliberate extrication of intertwined digital lives and assets.
What you need to separate
Divorce is not easy, and it’s not easy to undo the life you and your spouse built together. Digitally and electronically speaking, there are several steps you would be wise to take to ensure that you do not face unnecessary complications and issues down the road. Some of these things include:
- One of the most prudent things you can do is to change your passwords and your access pins to your bank accounts, online profiles and more. This will help protect your private information and much more.
- You will probably need to stop sharing a family plan for your cell phone. Maintaining shared accounts can lead to fights over payment and other things down the road.
- During a time of separation and while your divorce is underway, you will want to think carefully about what you post on social media. There is nothing truly private posted online, and your spouse may try to use what you say against you in court later.
- In some cases, it may be necessary to reset your computer and start fresh in order to reduce the chance your spouse could use that computer at some point to access your information or do something that could be harmful to you.
You can take various steps to protect yourself physically, financially, emotionally and even digitally during divorce. As soon as possible, you would be wise to start taking steps to separate your online lives, and you may find it beneficial to speak with a Texas attorney about how you can protect your interests in other areas as well.