BROOKLYN, New York. If you’re going through a breakup or divorce, you may be facing a range of emotions. Divorce is particularly challenging because you may have shared finances, a home, bank accounts, debts, and even children with your ex. However, you may have not considered how technology might play a role in your divorce or split. Couples are more digitally connected than ever. When you’re going through a breakup or divorce, it is important to make sure you divorce digitally as well. Here are some things you should consider to ensure a clean split:
- Change your passwords. If you were married or cohabitated, it is quite likely that your ex has access to your passwords. If you ever logged into your account on their computer or if you actually shared your passwords, now might be a good time to update and change your passwords across your accounts. According to an expert speaking to the Daily Mail, individuals might want to review which devices they have given permission to access accounts and also consider adding two step verification to accounts. Even if you never shared a password with your ex, it might be a good idea to change your password anyway.
- Take your ex off your Netflix, Apple, and other shared accounts. One writer for the New York Times wrote about how, after her breakup, she was able to see her ex’s viewing habits on Netflix. If you’re paying for the account, avoid the temptation to Netflix stalk. They don’t deserve free movies and you deserve some peace of mind.
- Turn off notifications. You don’t want Facebook reminding you about anniversaries and other important dates. Check your preferences so that you don’t get annoying reminders.
- Consider what you post on social media. If you are going through a divorce, anything you post on social media can be used against you in court. Even a seemingly innocent post can backfire. Speak to a qualified divorce lawyer like the Elliot Green Law Offices in Brooklyn, New York if you have concerns about how social media posts might impact your divorce. Another thing to consider is the impression you might be giving to friends and family on social media. While it is tempting to present a positive attitude and show family and loved ones that you’re doing just fine, doing so might make your friends and family think that you may not need as much emotional support right now. Reach out to friends and family and be protective of what you are posting.
- Divide online assets. This can be difficult. Apple doesn’t make it easy to split accounts. You may have to find other ways to divide assets if one person owns the family’s media accounts. A qualified divorce lawyer in Brooklyn, New York, like the Elliot Green Law Offices can help you understand your options and find a solution that works for you and your family.
Divorce and breakups are hard. In our technologically-connected society, they can be even harder. The good news is that you can digitally break up with your ex and move on. However, doing so, might take a little careful planning now.
