The landscape of divorce proceedings has dramatically changed today, largely due to the infiltration of technology into every aspect of an average modern individual's life. With tools like smartphones, email accounts, and social media profiles, access to evidence is easily accessible.
While there's no disputing the immense value of advanced technologies, many of us aren't aware of the potential negatives that unrestricted access to them can bring, particularly when legally terminating marriages. Here are ways technology is changing divorce proceedings.
Initiating an Online Divorce Process
The option to initiate a divorce online has surfaced as an effective and economical solution for couples wanting a more straightforward process. These platforms provide comfort and simplicity. This facilitates couples to go through the divorce process without extensive courtroom engagement or the necessity of legal representation.
For couples who are amicable and have a simple separation situation, online divorce can be the best choice. It offers a quicker and more affordable solution. It further enables them to sidestep the complications of conventional divorce procedures, thereby lessening emotional stress and strain. Remember that if asset distribution becomes a bone of contention, the online method may not be the best fit.
Joint Accounts and Devices
Frequently, spouses share account passwords with each other, whether it's for social media, Netflix, or banking. However, when a divorce is imminent, it becomes crucial to timely adjust these passwords, especially if you plan on continuing the use of these accounts post-divorce. If not, your soon-to-be ex could potentially exploit these accounts to muddle the situation.
Make sure to compile a list of all the passwords you've shared with your partner and promptly replace them without any exceptions. To aid in this, consider using services that are specifically designed to generate secure password combinations. You can contact lawyers like those at Blake Harris Law to learn how to protect your money during a divorce.
Curious about automated data extraction from documents?
Emails and Messages
Are you aware that all your internet communications, even those you delete, are retained online? The reality is, if your spouse is unfaithful or defames you on the internet, any comments, messages, or emails could be utilized as evidential material in a court of law.
It's customary for legal representatives to incorporate phone records into their case, and deletion doesn't necessarily mean data is unrecoverable. Furthermore, any angry message you send to your partner can be given to their attorney and potentially used against you in a courtroom setting.
Support Group
While online divorce filing may distance individuals from the backing of family and attorneys, it has also fostered connections among people via the internet. Through diverse mediums like Instagram, Facebook, and blogs, individuals from varied life experiences can interact and exchange their stories.
Online Addictions
Online sex addiction can also be a manifestation of digital unfaithfulness. Some couples may perceive this as an act of betrayal, or it could signify underlying issues in their relationship. The primary issue lies in the fact that even when there's no physical contact involved, the sense of deception and treachery can be as profound as in the case of a tangible affair. If a spouse discovers that their partner is viewing pornography that they deem obsessive, unusual, aggressive, or worrisome, they might consider pursuing a divorce.
Networking Platforms for Social Media
For anyone who maintains an active presence on at least one social media platform, it's likely understood how challenging, or even unfeasible, it is to keep personal life under wraps. Even tweaking your privacy settings may not always yield the desired results.
Divorce lawyers routinely probe their clients about their online activities. Social media platforms are often considered a goldmine of potential evidence, and for good reason. Status updates, photos, remarks and more can easily substantiate claims of marital misconduct, domestic abuse, and so on. While every platform offers privacy settings to restrict access to photos, friend lists, and personal details, there are still ways around these barriers.
Endnote
The process of divorce is intricate and laden with emotions, even amidst the advancements and unique improvements in technology. While technology has streamlined the divorce procedure and potentially reduced some of the emotional burden, there remains a significant amount of emotion involved, which can also have its benefits.