Understand What Becomes Public
When you file for divorce, the petition and other court documents are generally public record. That means anyone could access them through the clerk’s office or online court system. These documents often include financial disclosures, property information, and other personal details.
However, not everything has to be open to the public. Certain information, like Social Security numbers, bank account details, and the identities of minor children, can be redacted or sealed. Your attorney can help you make sure those protections are in place.
If privacy is a major concern, you can also ask the court to seal specific filings or agreements. This request must usually be justified by showing that disclosure would cause harm or violate your privacy rights, but in some cases, judges agree.
Be Careful With Communication
Divorce often involves a lot of digital communication. This includes texts, emails, and shared documents. Always assume that anything you say could be shown in court. Avoid sending messages when angry, and keep all communication focused on practical issues.
If you’re co-parenting, consider using a parenting communication app designed for family law cases. These platforms create a record of messages and help prevent misunderstandings. They also reduce the chances of something being taken out of context later.
Most importantly, don’t share details of your divorce on social media. Even private posts or closed groups can be screenshotted and used as evidence. Keep your online activity neutral and avoid posting about new relationships, vacations, or finances until your case is finalized.
Protect Your Financial Information
During a divorce, both parties must disclose their income, assets, and debts. That’s standard procedure, but it’s also when privacy risks are highest.
Work closely with your attorney to make sure sensitive financial information is handled properly. For example, you can request that supporting documents be shared through secure channels, not email. Keep paper records in a safe location and limit who has access to them.
If your spouse previously had access to joint accounts or passwords, it’s smart to update those. Change logins for online banking, credit cards, and cloud storage accounts. You may also want to set up new email accounts for legal and financial correspondence to ensure privacy.
Consider Mediation or Collaborative Divorce
Court filings become public, but alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation or collaborative divorce offer more privacy. These approaches take place outside the courtroom, allowing both parties to negotiate terms confidentially.
While you’ll still need to file a final agreement with the court much of the personal discussion stays off the public record. If keeping details about finances or relationships private matters to you, these methods can be a good option.
Work With an Attorney Who Respects Confidentiality
Divorce is stressful enough without worrying about who can see your personal business. A skilled attorney can guide you through the process while protecting your privacy at every step.
At The Law Offices of Robert M. Geller, we understand how sensitive this time can be. We take your confidentiality seriously and help you make informed decisions about what to share and what to keep private.
If you’re preparing for divorce and want to protect your personal information, contact our office today. We’ll help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
