Access to tech could be your friend or enemy if you’re going through a divorce or legal separation. Find out what to be aware of – for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer…
If you’ve paid any attention to the UK Covid-19 enquiry, the Wagatha Christie case, or public inquiries or court cases, you’ll know how messaging apps like WhatsApp can come back to haunt you. The same can apply if you’re going through a divorce or other family law situations - your messages and social media posts could take you into very choppy waters.
Equally, tech could help you navigate them, with a variety of apps available to help with co-parenting and break-ups.
Step away from your keyboard
When it comes to tech and family law, remember these key points:
• Your posts and messages, or other people’s, could be used against you in negotiations or court decisions about child residence and contact.
• Posts or messages suggesting extravagant spending or lucrative earnings could influence a financial settlement.
• Negative comments about your partner could toxify your divorce discussions.
• It can be a legal offence to post about family law proceedings – in particular it is a criminal offence to record court proceedings even if held virtually.
• If your ex-partner knows passwords on your digital accounts, they could access them to gather or create evidence.
Step back from your keyboard
But before we drive you away from digital completely, you should also know there’s a growing world of apps to help with break-up and divorce (and, no, we don’t mean Tinder):
Co-parenting apps: These help separated parents co-ordinate arrangements for their children – through features like shared co-parenting calendars and expense logs, and there are even instances of courts in England & Wales and elsewhere ordering their use. There are useful examples on the Resolution website. Some offer features such as a messaging service which confirms when messages are read, and crucially, which cannot be deleted or altered, and a “tone” meter if a proposed message reads as inappropriate.
Breakup apps: These offer a variety of support including coaching, exercises, suggested activities and journal features. They may not help you negotiate a financial settlement, but they can help you self-care while doing it!
To return to the main contents of lindsays life issue 25, please click here.
