How to Protect Your Privacy During a Divorce in Texas

Divorce can be a highly stressful and emotional process, and privacy often becomes a major concern. In Texas, personal information from financial records to social media activity can be exposed if you are not careful. Protecting your privacy is essential to safeguard your reputation, finances, and even your safety.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to protect your privacy during a Texas divorce.

1. Understand What Information Is Public

In Texas, divorce filings are generally part of the public record. This means that documents such as petitions, court orders, and financial disclosures can potentially be accessed by the public.

However, certain sensitive information can be protected:

• Social Security numbers
• Bank account numbers
• Children’s personal information (like school records)
• Medical records

Knowing what is already public versus what can be sealed is the first step in protecting your privacy.

2. Limit Social Media Exposure

Social media is a common source of privacy breaches during divorce. Even innocent posts can be misinterpreted or used against you in court.

Tips to protect yourself:

• Adjust privacy settings to limit who can see your posts.
• Avoid posting about the divorce, your spouse, or your finances.
• Remove location tracking from posts.
• Be cautious with “friends” of your spouse who may monitor your activity.

Remember: anything online can potentially be discovered in the discovery process.

3. Control Your Financial Privacy

Financial transparency is required in Texas divorce, but that doesn’t mean you must expose more than necessary:

• Provide only the documents requested by the court.
• Avoid voluntarily sharing extra personal or business information.
• Keep separate personal accounts for sensitive transactions if needed.
• Consider a forensic accountant if you have complex assets to ensure proper documentation while maintaining privacy.

4. Protect Personal Communications

Emails, texts, and phone calls can become evidence in divorce proceedings. To safeguard privacy:

• Avoid discussing the divorce via insecure channels.
• Keep communications professional and concise.
• Do not text or email angry or accusatory messages; they may be used against you.
• Use secure methods to share information with your attorney.

5. Consider a Confidentiality Order

Texas courts can issue orders to protect sensitive information, such as:

• Sealing portions of the court record
• Protecting children’s personal information
• Limiting access to financial or business records

Your attorney can request these orders if there is a legitimate concern about exposure or misuse of information.

6. Be Careful With Third Parties

Information can be unintentionally disclosed through:

• Friends or family members
• Co-workers
• Online communities or support groups

Be selective about what you share and with whom. Even well-meaning individuals can unintentionally provide information to the other party.

7. Work With an Experienced Texas Divorce Attorney

Protecting privacy during divorce is a delicate balance. Mokolo Law Firm can:

• Guide you on what information must be disclosed versus what can remain private
• Draft requests for confidentiality or sealed records
• Advise on secure communication strategies
• Ensure your financial and personal information is protected throughout the process
• Represent you in court to enforce privacy protections

Final Thoughts on How to Protect Your Privacy During a Divorce in Texas

Privacy is a crucial aspect of any divorce, especially in Texas where records are generally public. By managing social media, controlling financial disclosures, safeguarding communications, and seeking legal guidance, you can maintain your privacy while fulfilling your legal obligations.

If you are concerned about protecting your personal information during a divorce, contact Mokolo Law Firm. Our experienced team will help you navigate the process securely and confidently, ensuring that your privacy is respected every step of the way.