Privacy can be a significant concern for parties when they go through a divorce. After all, spouses generally have intimate knowledge of each other’s behaviors, habits and interactions, and when tempers flare during the divorce, this information can come out.
And in some cases, a divorcing spouse takes things a step further by spying on their ex during a split.
Why people spy
Often, parties surveil or follow an ex to discover undisclosed finances, new relationships, and unflattering details of their personal life. They might go as far as to record phone calls or hack into a person’s email.
Sometimes parties spy to prove that their ex is being secretive or lying in court. Other times, they are upset and just want to know what their ex is doing. In extreme cases, they may be following or spying on an ex to intimidate, control or hurt them.
Whatever the reasons may be behind a person’s spying, it can ultimately cause more harm if it causes more contention between exes or is threatening or illegal.
Protecting yourself and your family
If you believe your ex is spying on you during your divorce, there are ways to protect yourself.
First, you can talk to your attorney about what is and is not lawful in Texas. For instance, you should know when your ex may be lawfully recording you and when they may be violating your rights by installing spyware on your computer.
You will want to change all your passwords and logins, including:
- Email accounts
- Bank accounts
- Phone and tablet lock screens
- Wi-fi networks
- Smart home devices
- Social media accounts
You can also unsync Bluetooth devices your ex might have connected to your phone.
It can be wise to assume that everything you say and do during a Texas divorce is on the record. Your chats on social media, your conversations with your child and texts to your ex could all be part of the discovery process during divorce.
Therefore, communicate carefully during a divorce. If you are worried about being recorded or taped, keep all your exchanges in writing or through your attorney.
Finally, if you are worried about your safety, you can call the police or seek a protective order against your ex.
Stalking, surveilling and snooping can occur during a divorce. However, you have rights and legal remedies that can protect you when these tactics are dangerous or unlawful.