Ending your marriage can be a painful experience. In today’s constantly connected society, it can be difficult to move on after divorce. Social media algorithms could bring up old photos of you and your ex and streaming services may play a song or show that the two of you used to enjoy together. As a Washington resident, here are some things you should know about splitting your online accounts after divorce.
Be patient with yourself
Dividing your assets, digital and otherwise, after a breakup is rarely easy. However, there are some things you can do to reduce unwelcome reminders of your ex. Delete any photos in your digital albums and change your social media settings so your ex’s posts won’t show up on your feed. This can make it a little easier to move on after divorce.
Divide your online accounts
You’ll also need to figure out which accounts you share with your ex so you can remove them from the accounts. If you have a video doorbell or indoor security cameras it’s important to make sure that the account is no longer for joint use once your divorce is final. While streaming services are usually not a major expense, you may still want to take your ex’s name off the account so you won’t see recommendations for shows, movies, or music that reminds you of them.
Of course, other accounts like retirement savings and bank accounts should be separated. You should also make sure your former spouse no longer has access to your shared email or social media accounts and can’t use your credit card to make online purchases. It may be a good idea to change the PIN number for your debit cards as well. Consider contacting an attorney to make sure you’ve gone over everything necessary.
