Understanding the Basics of Consumer, Financial and Personal Injury Law

About Me

Understanding the Basics of Consumer, Financial and Personal Injury Law

Up until nine months ago, I always considered myself above everyone else when it came to having good credit. I paid my bills on time and never went a day late on rent. I became the epitome of what a good consumer should be. But after losing my job after 12 years of faithfulness and hard work, my ego took a hit and so did my credit and finances. Humbled, broke and unable to pay my bills, I decided to file bankruptcy. I couldn't get a job right away and the only way to stay afloat was to start over. My bankruptcy attorney helped me do that. I started this blog to teach you how to come back from a financial and personal disaster with your life intact. I hope that you find the legal counsel you need to rebuild your life as well.

How Private Is Your Divorce?

Divorce can involve several issues and most of them are both very personal and emotional. Child custody, debt, and other private matters can suddenly be out in the open with a divorce. With that in mind, read below to find out more about privacy and divorce.

Public Records

Divorce is one of those legal issues that are known as "matters of public record." That means that anyone with an interest in your divorce details can go to the courthouse and search through the records for your divorce. However, not everything about divorce is meant for the public eye. Sensitive information concerning minor children, protective orders, domestic violence, and certain financial information is protected from public view.

Courtroom Antics

In most cases, your divorce proceedings can also be viewed in person. Visitors are not usually barred from attending court hearings on divorce matters. If you expect sensitive and private information to be discussed in court, speak with your lawyer about asking that the sessions be closed to the public. The judge will make the decision.

The Press

You might not think the press has any interest in your divorce, and in most cases you are right. However, some divorcing parties may be in the public eye more than others. If you or your spouse are likely to attract a lot of attention, you might need to consider the below additional tips for keeping your divorce issues as private as possible.

Protecting Your Privacy

Whether you are in the public eye already or like to keep a low profile for personal reasons, consider the below tips for keeping your divorce matters on the downlow.

  1. Don't speak publicly. Avoid making public statements about your divorce and ask your spouse to do the same.
  2. Don't date or be seen with others. Not only are indiscretions bad for your divorce but being seen with others before the divorce is final will only add to the gossip about your divorce.
  3. Beware of your behavior. The old saying is that during your divorce, don't do anything that you would not want to see published on the front page of your local newspaper. For instance, did the town gossip see you buying a case of wine at the store? It could hurt your reputation and your divorce if you are not careful.
  4. Stay off social media. Resist the urge to post about your divorce on social media because anything you post, regardless of how private you might believe it to be, can be used against you. The other party can subpoena your Facebook, Twitter, and other accounts, and your comments, memes, and photos can come back to haunt you.

To find out more, speak to a professional in family law.


Share