You might believe your divorce will stay civil, that your husband will “do the right thing,” or that you will be able to work things out fairly. The truth is, divorce has a way of changing people, and even the most reasonable spouse can quickly become someone you barely recognize.
This is why your very first step… before you hire a lawyer, before you start negotiations, and even before you tell anyone… should be to protect yourself.
The most important areas to secure are your personal information, your money, and your technology. If any of these are compromised, your privacy, your financial stability, and even your legal position can be put at risk. You may feel confident that your husband would never take things that far, but the early stages of divorce are unpredictable. You never know when tensions will rise or when he will make a move you did not expect.
Start by locking down your information. Set up a brand new email address that your husband does not know about, using a strong password that he could never guess. If your old email account is still logged into a phone or computer he can access, he could easily read your messages without you ever knowing. Having a fresh, secure email account ensures that your private communications, including those with your attorney, stay private.
Next, take control of your finances. If all of your money is in joint accounts, you are vulnerable. Your husband could withdraw funds, close accounts, or transfer money without your consent. By opening a bank account in your name only, you give yourself a protected place to keep money for living expenses, legal fees, and emergencies. This is not about being secretive. It is about ensuring that you have access to funds when you need them most.
Finally, secure your technology. Sign out of devices that your spouse can access, along with shared online accounts, cloud storage, and anything else that contains personal information. During divorce, it is wise to be extra cautious with anything that could give someone insight into your plans or communications.
I have helped countless women secure their information, finances, and technology before and during divorce, and I can tell you that many of the most important steps are ones you might not think of on your own.
That is why I created the PROTECT Yourself course. It includes every critical step you should take to keep your privacy intact, safeguard your money, and maintain control over your own life from the very beginning of the divorce process. No one will look out for your best interests more than you will, so take action now.
