Ask any divorce attorney and they’ll tell you they’ve heard it all. Divorces bring out the worst in most people, making you do things you wouldn’t ordinarily do, including becoming a snoop. There are various reasons that people want to spy on a spouse during a divorce; looking for evidence of adultery, bad parenting, or hiding assets are a few.
If you don’t follow the laws, you may find yourself in a heap of trouble should you decide to snoop. And it is imperative that you talk with your attorney before doing so. Some practices are illegal and you could find yourself in jail. You could also hurt your case if you don’t know what is and is not allowed in your state.
Some people look through their spouses’ phones to find evidence; gaining access to passwords and spying on social media accounts is also common. But others are more sophisticated using GPS devices and spyware, which may or may not be legal.
The law varies from place to place, but it is perfectly legal to Google someone’s name, while illegally obtaining passwords to email accounts and social media accounts may get you into a heap of trouble. And you may find that any information illegally obtained is not admissible should your case end up in court.
Recording devices and hidden cameras pose a whole new set of potential illegalities. They may violate wiretapping and other privacy laws, depending upon where you live. Installing a keystroke device on a computer or a GPS tracker on an automobile may also get you into hot water if you cannot prove that you own the computer or car.
The bottom line is that if you’re going through a divorce or a custody battle, discuss any concerns with your attorney. They will know what is and is not legal when trying to gain certain information.
For an attorney in your area, consult our Online Legal Directory. Don’t take the law into your own hands – you could wind up on the wrong side of it.