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Part 2: The increasing role of technology in divorce

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Property Division on Wednesday, July 18, 2012.

In our last post we focused on how social media is increasingly being cited in divorce filings and submitted as evidence in child custody cases. However, when it comes to the role technology is playing in couple’s lives it goes well beyond just status updates and photos being posted. Rather, property division questions can also arise when it comes to splitting up digital assets and technological gadgets.

For example, what happens in cases where a couple going through a divorce previously shared a home computer with an iTunes account? Now, each spouse want not only the computer, but also ownership of the iTunes account that comes with it hundreds of dollars worth of already purchased music. Just how should that be split up?

The same questions can also arise when it comes to dividing up shared social media accounts and joint photo sites.

And it doesn’t just end with shared accounts either as many judges are grappling with how to divide up virtual assets. For example, for the couple who spent money while married on enhancements for online games, how should these be divided, especially since some of these have a real-world monetary value?

As technology continues to play a role in more and more people’s lives, matrimonial laws will continue to evolve. However, for the time being, when it comes to property division, whether it’s digital assets or an actual physical piece of equipment — like a laptop or a tablet — the advice is to seek out legal advice in order to at least know what to possibly expect.

Source: Mobiledia, “Digital Divorce: ‘Til Tech Us Do Part,” Margaret Rock, July 16, 2012

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