Protect Yourself From Technology Crime In Custody Cases
In cases involving the custody of children (including divorce), the parties may be aiming to destroy each other to gain custody. Some parents go to extreme measures to ruin the other parent’s reputation, including illegal behavior. Much of the information gathered will be used against the party in court.
Therefore, it is best to protect yourself from technology crime, especially if you are involved in a custody dispute. Here are some tips to protect yourself:
1 – Open a new private email account with a strong password. The password should have at least one character, one capital letter, one lower case letter, and one number. You do not know if the other parent has access to your old email account, and for your protection, it’s best to just start fresh.
2 – Change all passwords to online banking, credit cards, and online shopping accounts. If the other parent knows your passwords, they can easily commit a financial crime for which you may have no recourse.
3 – Change all passwords on cell phones, computers, tablets, and other digital devices. Any information stored on these devices can be downloaded, printed, and used against you.
4 – Turn off location/GPS services on your phone, tablet, and all Apple products. The location service can be used to track your whereabouts and make your actions look suspicious.
5 – Change passwords to social media accounts, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc. The other parent could post an incriminating update or picture pretending to be you, and then use that against you in trial. Generally, during a divorce or custody battle, you should stay away from social media.
6 – Keep a separate private email for communications with your lawyer. Only check this email from your home personal computer. Only checking this email from your personal computer will protect the attorney-client confidentiality.
While technology certainly makes life simpler in many ways, it can also create headaches in family law cases. It is best to be vigilant and protect yourself as soon as possible. If you are engaged in a custody dispute and need professional assistance, Khadilkar Law can help.