Over the last 15 years, with the prevalence of email, Twitter, and Facebook divorce has changed a lot.
Technology has changed the way most of us do business, communicate with friends and family, and conduct our social lives. It’s also changed the face of divorce.
Divorcing couples face two kinds of digital peril: high-tech sleuthing and social media – both of which are now easier than ever to access, use, and misuse.
Below are 7 things to consider if you are divorcing during this new digital age.
1. Inability to protect private information:
Divorcing couples must consider how to protect their digital life during the divorce process, including the need to protect private information such as emails, financial accounts, and social media accounts.
2. Social media misuse:
During a divorce, emotions can run high. Social media posts can come back to haunt people and be used against them in court.
The best way to protect yourself during divorce is to keep your personal life off of social media during divorce.
Don’t give your spouse ammunition to use against you during divorce and that is exactly what you’ll be doing if you belittle, and demean your soon-to-be-ex on social media. That and embarrassing yourself.
3. Increased cyber security risks:
When two people are going through a divorce, they must be aware of the potential risk of cyber security breaches. Especially by each other!
To protect yourself change all passwords that you used during the marriage and that your spouse had access to.
4. Over-reliance on digital communication:
Divorcing couples often rely heavily on digital communication, such as emails and text messages, to communicate with each other. This can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications. But, on a positive note is great for documenting conversations and agreements made.
5. Over-reliance on online resources:
Couples who are divorcing may rely too heavily on online resources for help and advice, which can lead to misinformation and bad decisions. I just Googled the search word “divorce” and came up with over 1 billion results.
Just because the information is online doesn’t mean that information is correct. Your best advice is going to be given by your divorce attorney!
6. Unforeseen costs:
Divorcing couples must consider the costs associated with digital services, such as e-filing fees and online storage fees. With the new technology available to divorce attorneys the more fees to clients.
7. Increased legal fees:
Divorcing couples may need to pay extra legal fees associated with digital services and cybersecurity.
The cost of divorce fees can vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction, the particular divorce proceedings, and the level of complexity in the divorce. The more technology an attorney has to use during your case, the more expensive your divorce will be.
There are apps that help calculate child support and maintenance. Software is available that assists parents and children with post-divorce communication, calendars, scheduling, coordination between two households, and the payment of children’s expenses. Bottom line: Use your tech devices wisely.