Divorce in the Digital Age
Divorce in the digital age comes with a range of unique challenges compared to just 20 years ago. While your spouse may have physically moved out of the shared home, your online activities and assets remain intermingled.
You may be ready to move on from your spouse, yet they continue to use and monitor shared online accounts. Worse, you may be unaware of their behavior.
The right strategies can help protect your assets, privacy, and peace of mind.
Change Passwords As Soon As Possible
You and your spouse probably learned each other’s passwords during the marriage. Even if you do not think your spouse knows your login information for online accounts, change all passwords as soon as possible. This prevents them from logging into accounts without your knowledge — or worse, stealing assets from financial accounts.
Check all accounts for suspicious activity and change passwords promptly:
- Bank accounts
- Social media accounts
- Email accounts
- Credit card accounts
Scan Your Computer for Keylogger Software
Online privacy protection proves crucial in a volatile divorce. Scan your devices for keylogger software, which could tell your spouse your new passwords and clue them into other sensitive information. Antivirus software can help you identify keyloggers.
Additionally, clear your browsing history regularly in case your spouse gains access to your activity.
Be Aware of Pennsylvania’s Digital Asset Division Protocols
Divorce in the digital age also requires you to separate digital assets. Any digital assets you and/or your spouse acquired during the marriage will be subject to equitable distribution, according to Pennsylvania’s marital property classification. These may include:
- Cryptocurrency
- Investment accounts
- Online subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, etc.)
- Domain names
- Assets owned in digital format (books, movies, music, TV shows, video games etc.)
- Online businesses
You may need to seek a cryptocurrency valuation or consult a professional to understand the value of certain digital assets.
Unlink Auto Storage on All Accounts
Digital photos and videos are part of the shared assets you and your spouse need to deal with during the divorce. In the meantime, turn off auto storage on photo apps to prevent new photos from uploading into a shared account. Your spouse could use photos as electronic evidence against you in the divorce.
Create a New Email Address
One of the easiest digital security measures to take is creating a new email address to link to all important accounts — including social media. If your spouse still has access to your previous email account, they can use it to enter sensitive online accounts. Change your email and turn on two-factor authentication to further protect your online privacy.
Be Vigilant About Tracking Devices
Finally, watch out for your spouse’s use of tracking devices such as Air Tags to follow your movements. Using these devices to stalk others is illegal, but you need to find them before any legal action can occur.
Turn to Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., for Divorce Assistance
A seasoned divorce attorney can help you navigate the complexities of divorce in the digital age while protecting your rights and privacy. Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., is here for you; contact us today at (866) 311-6082 for a confidential consultation.
