MIAMI, Florida. Technology has given abusers and stalkers more power than ever. If you are getting divorced, how do you know if you are being stalked, monitored, or tracked by your ex? According to NPR, GPS tracking devices make it easier than ever for former partners to track their ex’s whereabouts through their phones. Even tools that are designed to be helpful or are designed to prevent theft, like Apple’s “find my phone” feature can be used by stalkers to track their victims.
Is tracking your ex illegal? According to NPR, it may not necessarily be illegal. Until your divorce is finalized, shared property like phones, computers, or even your car, can be legally tracked by your ex. So, if you want to protect yourself, your best bet is to move forward with your divorce. If your ex had access to your computer or to your smartphone, you might want to perform a factory reset on these devices to ensure that there isn’t any malware downloaded on them that could track you.
If you have a restraining order against a formerly violent ex, you may have more options under the law. For example, under a restraining order, an ex may not be permitted to contact you or may not be permitted to come within a certain distance of you. According to Hello Giggles, whether or not you have a restraining order in place, it may be wise to document and keep records of any kind of disturbing contact, including emails or text messages. These messages might come in handy later during your divorce, especially if you are facing a child custody battle and fear for your children’s safety. If you are facing unwanted contact from an ex, it is also recommended that you avoid engaging with your ex. The contact is being initiated to get your attention and to pull you back into the cycle of conflict.
If you fear that your ex may have access to your personal information, you may want to reset your passwords regularly. The recommendation that one therapist makes is that victims of abuse reset their passwords every 30 to 45 days to protect themselves online. You may also want to change your Facebook settings, permitting only vetted people from posting on your wall, or use Facebook’s security features that require that all postings be vetted before going live. This can protect you from an ex’s online harassment.
If you are getting divorced and fear for your safety, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. You may be able to seek a restraining order, to protect yourself and your children from an abusive partner. If you fear for your safety or don’t know where to turn, consider calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. The divorce lawyers at the Sandy B. Becher, P.A. Trial Law Firm in Miami, Florida may be able to assist you with filing for divorce and protecting your rights. We can help you file a restraining order, file for divorce, and file for custody of your children. If you have questions, visit us at https://sandybecher.com/ to learn more.
Sandy B. Becher, P.A.
201 S. Biscayne Boulevard
Twenty Seventh Floor
Miami, FL 33131
305.860.5811
