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Protecting Your Privacy during a Divorce: What You Need to Know

By: Danielle Ostrovsky July 3, 2025 11:07 am

Time to read: 6 Minutes

Protecting Your Privacy during a Divorce: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Divorce is one of the most emotionally and legally complex transitions a person can face. But for many, there’s another layer of concern—privacy.

Whether it’s shielding personal messages, financial details, or social media activity, divorce can leave your private life uncomfortably exposed. Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to guard your information, control your digital footprint, and avoid unnecessary conflicts caused by oversharing.

This guide covers how to protect your privacy during divorce, both in and out of court, so you can focus on moving forward without risking sensitive information falling into the wrong hands.

Why Privacy Matters More Than Ever During Divorce

Divorce proceedings often involve exchanging detailed financial disclosures, personal communications, and sensitive family history. If you’re not careful, this information can become fuel for conflict—or worse, be used against you in court.

Even amicable divorces can turn hostile when private messages or old emails resurface. That’s why creating boundaries and understanding what’s legally public or private is essential from the start.

Digital Boundaries: Devices, Passwords, and Shared Accounts

Start by separating your digital life from your spouse’s. Change passwords on all personal accounts, including email, social media, cloud storage, and financial apps.

Don’t assume your privacy is protected just because a device is “yours.” If your spouse knows your logins—or if you’ve ever synced devices—your messages, photos, or calendars could still be accessible.

Pro tip:
Use two-factor authentication and update password recovery options to ensure full control.

Also review shared subscriptions, family cloud drives, and joint calendars. These often go unnoticed but can reveal location data, purchases, and private appointments.

What to Know About Public Divorce Records

In Florida, most divorce filings are public record. That means documents like petitions, financial affidavits, and even court decisions can be accessed unless sealed by a judge.

To protect sensitive information, your attorney may request that certain documents (e.g., financial records, custody agreements) be filed under seal. Judges typically only grant this if there’s a compelling reason, but it’s worth exploring early.

Even without sealing, you can avoid including unnecessary personal details in filings whenever possible.

Protecting Financial Information and Asset Data

Full financial disclosure is required in every divorce—but that doesn’t mean all your information must be vulnerable.

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Make copies of important financial documents and store them in a secure, private location. These may include:

  • Tax returns
  • Bank statements
  • Business documents
  • Retirement and investment accounts

Work with your attorney to limit unnecessary disclosures and ensure your spouse doesn’t have access to documents they’re not legally entitled to.

Social Media: Your Biggest Privacy Risk

Social media is a divorce minefield. A single photo, comment, or post—taken out of context—can damage negotiations or custody outcomes.

Even if your account is private, mutual friends or family can screenshot and share posts. During a divorce, it’s smart to:

  • Avoid posting about the divorce at all
  • Refrain from venting, even in “private” groups or DMs
  • Temporarily deactivate or limit use of your accounts
  • Be cautious about tagging, location check-ins, and photos involving new partners

If you’re unsure whether a post is safe—don’t post it.

Children, Schools, and Family Communications

If you have children, privacy takes on another layer. Keep school records, medical files, and communication with co-parents confidential.

Avoid discussing the divorce with your child through text or email—those messages can be taken out of context in court.

Use parenting communication tools to maintain structured, documented interactions that preserve boundaries and reduce conflict.

Working With Your Attorney to Preserve Confidentiality

A strong attorney-client relationship is built on trust—and that includes protecting your information.

Be honest with your lawyer about any potential vulnerabilities (texts, photos, emails, etc.) so they can prepare accordingly. If needed, your attorney can:

  • Request a confidentiality order
  • Limit discovery requests
  • Push back against overly broad subpoenas
  • Help structure financial disclosures to avoid exposing irrelevant data

Privacy is part of strategy—and your attorney is your first line of defense.

Your Privacy Is Worth Protecting

Divorce is already difficult. You shouldn’t also have to worry about your texts being misused, your finances being exposed, or your child being caught in the middle of a digital conflict.

With proactive planning, clear digital boundaries, and skilled legal support, you can protect your privacy and maintain control during this transition—without making things harder than they need to be.

Ostrovsky Law helps individuals navigate the divorce process with discretion, strategy, and a strong commitment to protecting what matters most.

Need Trusted Legal Support During a Divorce?

Every misstep in a divorce—especially one involving privacy—can cost you more than money. It can cost you access, leverage, or even your child’s trust. Don’t wait for private texts, financial documents, or social media posts to be used against you in court.

At Ostrovsky Law, we help South Florida clients set firm legal and digital boundaries, protect sensitive records, and negotiate smarter, cleaner exits from high-conflict divorces.

📞 Your next step is simple:

  • Get a confidential legal review of your situation
  • Secure a privacy strategy before discovery or court hearings begin
  • Protect what matters—before it’s exposed

👉 Schedule your private consultation now and take control of your divorce on your terms.

Summary: Key Takeaways

  • Most divorce documents are public unless sealed—be intentional with what’s filed
  • Change all passwords and review shared accounts immediately
  • Keep financial records secure and limit what’s shared unnecessarily
  • Social media is never private—what you post can (and will) be used
  • Protect children’s information and use neutral co-parenting platforms
  • Work closely with your attorney to preserve confidentiality at every stage

FAQs

Are divorce filings public in Florida?

Yes. Divorce documents are typically public record, unless a judge seals them for privacy reasons.

Can my spouse access my emails or texts during a divorce?

If you share devices or passwords, they might. Change your credentials and use two-factor authentication immediately.

Should I delete social media during divorce?

You don’t have to delete it—but limiting usage, avoiding posts about the divorce, and disabling tags is strongly recommended.

Can I keep my financial information private?

You must disclose finances in divorce, but your attorney can help keep irrelevant details out of public filings and negotiations.

Danielle Ostrovsky

Danielle Ostrovsky is the founding partner of Ostrovsky Law, a boutique law firm that practices exclusively in the area of marital and family law throughout Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties.

With a sole focus on marital and family law, Danielle has refined her skills and gained extensive experience in divorce, spousal support, parental responsibility, timesharing, paternity, equitable distribution of assets and liabilities, high net worth asset division, child support, modifications and contempt of support, and prenuptial/postnuptial agreements.

© Copyright 2025 Danielle M. Ostrovsky. All Rights Reserved.
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