When you’re going through a divorce, you’d probably prefer to make a clean break with your spouse – but that isn’t always possible. You may not be able to immediately move out of your shared residence for any number of reasons.
So, how do you set boundaries and keep your privacy during this time? While there are a lot of physical steps you can take – such as having separate bedrooms and agreeing to schedule for the kitchen and living room – you should also take steps to protect your digital privacy. Let’s look at a few.
Update your passwords and add authentication steps
Update your passwords right away, especially if your spouse knows your code to your phone or email. In addition, set up two-factor authentication (2FA) to your accounts – especially if your laptop remembers your passwords and currently just logs you into anything you regularly access.
Set up a new email account
If there’s any chance at all that your current email could be compromised, set up a new one so that you can keep your communications with your friends, family, legal and financial professionals and others entirely private. Make sure the password is nothing your spouse can guess and do not tell them about your new account.
Separate shared devices
If you’ve shared a iPad or tablet or even a Kindle with your spouse, it’s time to log out and remove your account from those devices entirely. Consider restoring them to factory settings, if necessary. Split the physical devices between you or buy a second one. You need to stop sharing any accounts immediately.
During this time, it’s important to be selective about what you share with your spouse. Even an amicable divorce can turn hostile under the right circumstances. Legal guidance can help you be more prepared.
