The Digital Age Raises New Family Law Issues

Many Arizona residents probably received some new technological gadgets for Christmas this year. In fact, society is becoming more dependent on technology and new digital devices, which allow for the synchronization of multiple amounts of data. However, there are also some important family law issues that need to be considered when using these digital devices.

First, it is important to remember to delete one’s browsing history prior to separating or initiating a divorce. It would not be advisable for a soon-to-be ex-spouse to have access to all of one’s previous searches on a family laptop or desktop computer.

Secondly, many of these new devices are interconnected so that any personal information that is shared on a computer may also be displayed on a person’s cell phone, and vice versa. Also, many new cell phones have tracking devices which can be used by anyone to track a person’s whereabouts – whether they like it or not.

Another example is the iCloud – a web based service which may be used by the whole family through a shared iTunes account. This is also another easy way for someone to access personal information. Further, one should also make sure to change passwords and credit card information from a shared computer prior to a divorce.

Unfortunately, technological advances can sometimes cause problems to arise when dealing with certain family legal issues. Divorce can be a difficult and emotionally charged process for everyone involved. Arizona divorces can be particularly complex, which is why it is essential that anyone contemplating a divorce be fully aware of their rights and obligations in order to obtain the best possible result.

Source: huffingtonpost.com, “Top Ten Technology Tips When You Are Going Through A Divorce,” Deborah Chames, Dec. 26, 2012