A smartphone is only as smart as its user, and cell phones have a notorious history of causing problems during divorce. Such problems are simple enough to avoid, though, with just a little forethought and common sense. Here are a few quick points of divorce-time cell phone etiquette:
Password-Protect Your Phone
For most of us, our cell phones are constantly connected to social media, email, and the rest of the world. We are constantly exchanging personal and business messages via our cell phones all day long. Cell phone access is a hot button issue for many divorcing couples.
Have a conversation with your spouse about cell phone privacy, and then agree to password-protect the phones. (Nearly all phones today set up with password protection automatically; the password can usually be reset from the security menu.) This simple step can help to avoid a lot of unnecessary complications down the line.
Be Careful About Calls, Both Incoming and Outgoing
Remember that every number dialed from a cell phone, and every incoming call received, is recorded. Extramarital relationships are often revealed via an examination of cell phone records. Even if infidelity is not an issue, though, it is important to be careful about who you are calling and when.
Sometimes, divorce can drag on for a long time. The marriage can be long over before the divorce is finalized. One or both spouses may desire to test the dating pool, but it can be tricky. Before you give out your number to someone, imagine what will happen when that person calls. Even with your spouse's consent, evidence of phone calls to or from new romantic interests can be damaging during divorce proceedings.
Log Out of Social Media
Social media activity can be disastrous in the time leading up to and then during a divorce. The divorce process is almost necessarily emotional, and people have a tendency to behave irrationally when emotions are running high. People lose control and post angry rants on social media or say nasty things about their spouse in messages to friends. Generally speaking, it's a good idea to suspend all social media activity during a divorce.
If total separation is not possible, though, it is important to carefully control activity on, as well as access to, social media accounts. Always log out of social media on your cell phone and change your passwords often. These points apply with equal force to any email accounts that you access from your phone.
Mt. Clemens, MI, Divorce Court Proceedings
When it comes time for the actual divorce proceedings, shut your cell phone off. Remove the battery just to be certain that the phone is powered-down. There is nothing more certain to annoy the judge than a party's ringing cell phone. In Mt. Clemens, there is a rule against cell phone use inside the court rooms. Most jurisdictions have similar prohibitions.
For Expert Advice, Rely on a Michigan Divorce Attorney
Michigan's divorce laws create subtle issues when it comes to cell phone usage. Indeed, the systems of divorce in Michigan and across the country are notoriously difficult to navigate. A licensed Michigan divorce attorney, though, knows how the system works, both legally and procedurally. A good attorney will be a guide, pointing out pitfalls, like cell phone use, that might otherwise go overlooked.
Contact Femminineo Attorneys, PLLC to schedule your free initial consultation, get Michigan divorce help, and discuss your situation.
Femminineo Attorneys
Michigan Divorce Help
110 S Main St #200
Mt Clemens, MI 48043
United States
(586) 954-9500
