It’s common today to have security and surveillance systems in our homes (think: Ring, Google Nest, and Blink) to provide protection for you and your family.
The benefits are seemingly endless — did your child leave on time for soccer practice, did the dog have a walk today, was your Amazon package delivered? And even if you aren’t watching in real time, playback features and microphones ensure you don’t miss any of the action.
But what if your spouse is using these systems to observe you and your family at home? And what happens after you separate from your spouse: does your ex still have access to your surveillance and security system, and what can you do about it? Are they observing you and your guests’ comings and goings?
Most people are protective of their privacy, especially when going through the divorce process, and the last thing you want is an ex checking up at any time.
What You Need to Know
You have the power to change your situation and take control, especially when it comes to your own privacy and security.
If your spouse moves out of the home, you can take some easy steps to ensure your privacy and security are not compromised. A best practice during the separation process is to immediately take action and ensure your ex has no further access to your surveillance and security systems.
Practical Steps to Ensure Your Privacy
Change the Account Information. If you have access to the security system account, either contact the surveillance and security system company directly to change your account information or simply log into your account and change the account information yourself, including any usernames, e-mails, and passwords. Make sure to choose new account information that is unknown and cannot be guessed by your ex.
Remove the Batteries or Remove Altogether. Not interested in taking any chances with your current system, or you do not have access to the security system account at all? Either take out the batteries to shut down the system or remove the system altogether by taking down all cameras and/or audio recording devices from outside and inside of your home and disabling them. Despite your ex having control over the system’s account, there is nothing to surveil if the system is disabled.
Get a New System. Out with the old and in with the new. If you’re ready for a new system which your ex has never had, and never will have, any access to, perhaps it is time to look into purchasing a new system altogether.
This is especially important when you want to ensure you have your own surveillance and security system after separation for the benefit of you and your family. Purchasing a brand new system can provide an extra level of comfort in knowing your ex does not have access and only you control this system.
The Risk of Inaction
Not doing anything means you could remain under a surveillance microscope. Your spouse could still have access to your systems, including the ability to review your surveillance footage and listen in on recorded conversations.
Additionally, they may attempt to use this information to their advantage during the divorce process or to harass you. It could be quite unsettling to get a text from your ex asking about your Door Dash order on a particular day, or worse yet, who’s the person coming to the door to take you out on a date?
After separation, you want to ensure that the inner workings of your life are kept confidential and that you don’t receive unwanted questions from your ex about your personal life.
Fallout from an Angry Ex
If and when your ex discovers that they are no longer able to access the home’s surveillance and security system, they may lash out at you.
Prepare for this by:
- Keeping all communications in writing (as is best practice for all communications throughout the divorce process)
- Noting that as your ex is no longer residing at the home, there is no need for them to have access to your surveillance system and this is no longer appropriate.
Also remember that you can change the alarm code and the locks in your home to avoid your ex showing up and walking in unannounced. While your ex may still have the right to enter your home during the separation and divorce process, you can take comfort with these extra security provisions.
Keep in Mind
If your ex attempts to retaliate or threaten you in any way, terminate the direct conversations and consult with an attorney. If your ex is that upset about not being able to keep tabs on you, they are not being reasonable, and it’s time to get an attorney involved.
For more information on securing your privacy, and other helpful tips while navigating the divorce process, you can reach Maida at 301-347-1262 or by email at mlhughes@lerchearly.com.
