What Can I Do About a Spouse Who Stalks Me Using Technology During Our Divorce?

 Posted on April 13,2023 in Divorce

It is hard to even comprehend how much our society has changed in the past few decades. For example, a phone used to be something attached to a cord in your home which was capable of little more than making and receiving phone calls. Now, phones are devices we use to shop, browse the internet, manage financial affairs, and navigate the world around us. The technological advancements made in recent years have been a great benefit to society, but they can also be used as tools for abuse.

If your spouse is using technology to stalk you during your divorce, it can be incredibly frightening and unsettling. However, there are some steps that you can take to protect yourself and stand up for your rights.

Spying and Stalking During an Illinois Divorce

A huge part of any abusive relationship is control. When an abuser is losing control over his or her spouse, he or she may use various methods to continue the abusive behavior during a divorce. Stalking or spying on a spouse using technology is one of those methods. Spouses may use spyware on phones or computers, track GPS locations, or even use hidden cameras in order to follow their spouse’s every move.

What Can You Do?

The first step in a situation like this is to secure legal protection in the form of a Stalking No Contact Order (SNCO) or an Emergency Order of Protection. These are legally binding court orders that can be used to protect yourself from an abusive spouse during the divorce. These orders can serve as crucial evidence in your divorce. If your spouse violates any of the provisions of the order, such as coming to your workplace or loitering outside your home, you can call the police and have him or her arrested.

Additionally, you should take steps to protect yourself from digital spying. Change your passwords often and make sure they are not easy to guess. Additionally, be aware that if you have shared devices with your spouse (such as a laptop or tablet), he or she may still have access even after the divorce is finalized. It may be best to avoid using any shared devices or even get a new phone and phone number during divorce.

Contact our Kane County Divorce Lawyers

If your spouse is spying on you or stalking you during your divorce, you need an aggressive legal advocate. At Goostree Law Group, we have experience in high-conflict divorce cases as well as cases involving abuse or harassment. We can help you take the steps needed to protect yourself. Call our St. Charles divorce attorneys at 630-584-4800 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2018/01/04/554564010/i-know-where-you-ve-been-digital-spying-and-divorce-in-the-smartphone-age