Protecting Your Privacy During Divorce: Tips for High-Profile Individuals and Wealthy Spouses

Divorce attorney sitting with client

Divorce is never a walk in the park, but for high-profile individuals and wealthy spouses, keeping a low profile during this tough time can feel like an uphill battle. Guarding your personal and financial information is crucial when the spotlight is on you or when there’s a lot at stake. Peggy Roston, an experienced Alaska divorce attorney, shares practical tips to help you maintain your privacy and safeguard your reputation during a divorce.

Protect Your Online Identity From Being Hacked  

We live in a more connected world than ever, making digital privacy essential. So protecting your financial and personal information is critical.  Here are three suggestions:

  1. Change Passwords: Update passwords for all your online accounts, including your email, social media, and banking accounts. Choose strong, one-of-a-kind passwords to keep unauthorized access at bay.
  2. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication: Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for all accounts that offer this added security. This extra step typically involves the bank/credit card etc. sending you a code (usually by text message), which you have to enter online before the application will allow you to log in to access your account.
  3. Monitor Social Media: Be mindful of what you share online. Keep your accounts private and consider unfriending or blocking those connected to your ex-spouse. It is also wise to block friends and others from “tagging” you in posts or comments.  Better still, don’t do any posting during the divorce.  

Imagine the peace of mind you’ll have, knowing your digital life is secure. By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to preserving your privacy during a divorce.

Keep Your Finances Separate from your spouse’s finances and be prepared to disclose complete financial information and documents to your attorney and opposing counsel 

Money matters can get messy during a divorce, particularly for high-net-worth individuals. To protect your assets and ensure transparency (meaning full disclosure).

1.  Run a credit report on yourself: Run credit card reports on yourself to make sure that your spouse is not opening new accounts under your name

2. Open Separate Accounts: Open separate bank and credit card accounts in your name only.  If possible, with the help of your attorney, agree upon a date after which new debts will be considered separate debts (with the exception of auto-pay for mortgages, insurance policies and utilities)  Having accounts in your name alone prevents your spouse from accessing your funds or running up credit card debt in your name.

3. Document Your Assets: Make a detailed list of all your assets and liabilities, such as property, investments, and debts. Creating a list paints a clear picture of your financial situation and simplifies dividing assets during divorce.

4. Hire a Forensic Accountant: If you think your spouse is hiding assets, bring a forensic accountant on board to uncover concealed finances.

By staying alert and proactive, you can defend your financial interests and smooth the way for a less bumpy divorce process.

Assemble a Discreet and Skilled Legal Team

When it comes to keeping your privacy intact during a divorce, having the right legal team is essential. A seasoned divorce attorney experienced in working with high-profile clients will know the unique hurdles you face and provide customized solutions to protect your privacy.

  1. Confidentiality Agreements: Your legal team can create and enforce confidentiality agreements or nondisclosure agreements, ensuring everyone involved in your divorce, including your spouse’s legal team, is required to keep all aspects of the divorce confidential.  These are frequently written as Stipulated Orders so that they become orders of the court.  This gives them more teeth in the case of a violation by the other side.
  2. Private Negotiations: Choose private negotiations or mediation to keep your finances and the details of your divorce out of your court case file, which is generally open to the public. This is particularly important for business owners who do not want competitors getting access to commercially sensitive information.

Steering Towards a Brighter Future

Divorce is an emotional rollercoaster. Maintaining privacy can feel like an insurmountable challenge for high-profile individuals or wealthy spouses. However, by putting these practical tips into action and working with a discreet, experienced legal team, you’ll be well-prepared to shield your personal and financial information during this tough time.

Are you considering a divorce? Reach out to our office for a consultation to discuss your situation with Peggy Roston who is a skilled Alaska divorce attorney. 

Posted in: Divorce