Most married couples, whether here in Massachusetts or elsewhere, tend not to keep certain information private. One spouse may use the other spouse’s computer, tablet or phone without thinking anything of it. Often, passwords are only protected from someone outside the relationship. This is not usually a problem during the marriage, but for individuals facing a divorce, access to this digital information could cause issues.
As soon as an individual decides to divorce, or his or her spouse announces the intention to do so, all passwords should be changed. Not only will this keep the party’s information private, but it will also keep one party from spying on the other, removing information and more. Even if the parties have separate social media accounts, the passwords on those should change as well. Any shared social media accounts can be closed and deleted, or one party can take them over while the other creates new ones.
Computers, tablets and smart phones within the home require attention as well. The information on a device can be backed up and then deleted. Even though the process is a bit more technical for computers, resetting these devices to their factor settings can protect any information on them. Online information regarding bank accounts, credit cards and more could also be changed and wiped from a shared computer or device.
There may be other digital accounts that require addressing by Massachusetts couples, but this at least gives a starting point. One of the primary goals of divorce is to separate the lives of the two individuals in the relationship, and a clean break is often best. Even in an amicable separation, each party needs to protect his or her private information.