Protecting your sensitive information during your separation or divorce

  1.  

 

Protect yourself – updating your Logins, Passwords & Pins

Protecting Sensitive Information During Your Divorce Proceedings

Going through a divorce is often a challenging and emotional experience. Beyond the legal and emotional aspects, it’s crucial to protect your sensitive information to ensure your privacy and security during this time of transition. Divorce proceedings can expose personal details, so taking steps to secure your information is a proactive way to safeguard your interests.

Here’s a checklist of what we suggest be updated to protect your sensitive information during your divorce:

  1. Change Your Social Media Passwords

Your social media accounts can reveal personal and financial details that may be used against you in divorce proceedings. Change your passwords immediately and consider tightening your privacy settings. Be mindful of what you share online during this time, as even innocent posts can be misconstrued.

  1. Change Your Banking Passwords and Security Questions

Your finances are one of the most sensitive aspects of your divorce. Update your banking passwords, PINs, and security questions to prevent unauthorized access. This ensures that your financial transactions remain private and secure.

  1. Change Your Phone PIN and Consider Face Recognition

Your phone is a treasure trove of sensitive information, from private conversations to financial apps. Make sure to change your phone’s PIN and consider using facial recognition or fingerprint authentication for added security. This ensures that only you can access your device.  You may need to check who has access to devices via Family Sharing such as iCloud or Google networks.

  1. Review Subscription Services and Credit Cards Linked to These Accounts

Subscription services (streaming platforms, magazines, etc.) and credit cards often get linked to your accounts. Review all subscriptions you have and make sure they’re updated with your new payment methods. Disconnect any joint accounts or credit cards that might be shared with your spouse.

  1. Update Apple/Google Account Passwords

Your Apple and Google accounts store everything from photos to contacts and app data. Change your passwords to these accounts to ensure your personal information remains safe. Be sure to check if any family-sharing features or accounts are still active.

  1. Update or Remove Contacts with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

If you have any joint dealings with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), update your contact details and remove any joint accounts or notifications linked to your spouse. Ensuring that the ATO has your updated contact details can prevent any unwanted surprises or joint communications during the divorce.

  1. Change Your Computer Logins and Passwords

Just like your phone, your computer holds sensitive data. Change your computer login passwords, and if you use cloud services, ensure they are protected. It’s essential to have separate logins from your spouse to keep your personal files secure.

  1. Remove Sharing on Family Devices Like iPads

If you share family devices such as iPads or laptops, ensure that any shared data or access to your personal accounts is removed. This will ensure your spouse cannot access information on these devices.

  1. Create a New Email Address for Private/Confidential Correspondence

Consider creating a new email address (e.g., Gmail or Outlook) dedicated solely to confidential communications regarding your divorce and financial matters. Avoid using your primary email address to prevent your spouse from having access to any sensitive emails.

  1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

For an extra layer of security, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all critical accounts, including email, bank accounts, Superannuation, ATO, health fund and social media. 2FA ensures that even if someone gets hold of your password, they cannot access your account without an additional verification step.

  1. Store Your Important Documents Securely

During a divorce, it’s crucial to keep track of important documents like bank statements, financial disclosures, Estate documents, investment document to name a few. Consider using encrypted storage options or a secure cloud service to store these documents, keeping them out of reach from your spouse.

  1. Credit Cards and Limits

Review your credit card accounts and adjust any credit limits or shared cards that might be at risk. You might want to close joint accounts or apply for new ones in your name only, ensuring you can continue to manage your finances independently.

  1. Company Directorships and ASIC Key

If you hold a company directorship, your access to the company’s financial and legal information may be at stake during your divorce. Ensure that your ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) key and other business-related logins are secured and updated.

  1. Superannuation Logins

Superannuation funds are another key area that can be involved in divorce settlements. Make sure to update your password for any superannuation accounts. This will ensure that your spouse cannot access or alter your superannuation information.

  1. Password Manager

We highly recommend you consider using a password app manager like  Lastpass and remember to make the passwords strong with upper and lower letters, numbers and characters.

Once you are comfortable that all your important information and data is secure, it’s important that you seek advice about what types of information you will need to disclose to your former spouse in family law proceedings. A family lawyer can help you navigate this process and ensure that information is only shared through the correct channels and with privacy measures in place.

This Blog was written by Dominique Cormie, Finance & Administration Manager

If you are seeking legal advice, feel free to contact Michael Conley Lawyers have decades of experience in family court and are a dedicated family law firm – contact us today on (02) 9223 5299 or email lawyers@michaelconley.com.au to book a consultation.