Written by Camille Boyer, Senior Family Lawyer at Crossroads Law, Calgary
Going through a divorce can be a difficult and emotional process, but technology can help make things a bit easier. In this blog post, we will explore some tech tips for persons getting a divorce, including using online tools for document management, setting up a separate email account, changing passwords and updating account security, using video conferencing for meetings, blocking your ex on social media, and using co-parenting apps for communication.
1. Use Online Tools for Document Management
One of the biggest challenges when going through a divorce is managing a large number of documents, including financial records, legal paperwork, and communication with your lawyer. This can be overwhelming, especially if you are not organized. To make things easier, consider using online tools such as Google Drive or Dropbox to store and organize these documents.
These tools allow you to upload and store documents online, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. This means you can share documents with your lawyer or anyone else involved in the divorce process without having to physically send them. You can also organize your documents into folders, making it easier to find what you need quickly.
2. Set Up a Separate Email Account
When going through a divorce, it's important to keep personal information private and secure. If you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse are still sharing an email account or passwords, consider setting up a separate email account specifically for divorce-related communications.
This will help you keep track of important emails related to the divorce and prevent any accidental sharing of personal information. It will also make it easier to keep your personal and professional emails separate. You can also use this email account to communicate with your lawyer, financial advisor, or anyone else involved in the divorce process.
3. Change Your Passwords and Update Security Settings
It is very possible, whether you remember or not (or may not even have been aware), your ex may already know or have access to the passwords you use to access your social media and other accounts. Further, you may be logged into these accounts or have the passwords saved on browsers or devices that your ex still has access to. Out of an abundance of caution, it is best to change your passwords to ensure no one, particularly your ex, can access your accounts.
Platforms such as Facebook and Google also have privacy settings whereby you can check which devices are currently logged in to your account and select which ones to log out. You will want to take the extra step of ensuring your accounts are secure online, particularly if you are worried about retaliation, surveillance, or other concerns from your ex.
4. Use Video Conferencing for Meetings
If you are unable to meet with your family lawyer in person, consider using video conferencing tools such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams for virtual meetings. This can be particularly helpful if you live in a different city or province than your lawyer or if it's difficult to schedule in-person meetings due to other obligations.
Video conferencing allows you to have face-to-face conversations with your lawyer from the comfort of your own home. This can save you time and money, as you won't have to travel to meet with your lawyer. It can also help you feel more connected to your lawyer and more involved in the divorce process.
5. Block Your Ex on Social Media
Social media can be a source of stress and drama during a divorce. If you and your ex-spouse are still connected on social media, consider blocking them, at least for the time being, to avoid any unnecessary drama or emotional triggers. This can help you focus on your own well-being and avoid any negative interactions.
Blocking your ex on social media doesn't mean you have to delete your own accounts or stop using social media altogether. It simply means that you won't see any updates from your ex-spouse or be able to interact with them on social media. They also cannot view updates from you or initiate unwanted or intrusive communications. This can be particularly helpful if you're trying to move on and focus on your own life during the divorce process.
6. Use Co-Parenting Apps for Communication
If you have children with your ex-spouse, co-parenting can be a source of stress and conflict, particularly early in the Divorce process. To help make co-parenting easier, consider using co-parenting apps such as OurFamilyWizard, to manage communication related to the children.
These apps allow you to share schedules, important events, and other information related to your children in a centralized location. This can help you avoid misunderstandings or missed communication, as everything related to your children is in one place. It can also help you communicate more effectively with your ex-spouse about your children, as the app provides a neutral and organized platform for communication.
In conclusion, technology can be a helpful tool when going through a divorce. By using online tools for document management, setting up a separate email account, using video conferencing for meetings, blocking your ex on social media, and using co-parenting apps for communication, you can help make the divorce process a bit easier to manage. Remember to prioritize your own well-being and seek support from friends, family, and professionals when needed. The team of family lawyers at Crossroads Law have helped thousands of people throughout the divorce and separation process. Contact us today to set up your free 20-minute consultation.
