It is not an uncommon occurrence for couples going through separation and divorce to admit they have snooped on their partner.
Some admit to have followed their partner around or eavesdropped on their conversations. In extreme cases, they have even hired private investigators to spy on their partners.
In recent years technology has provided couples with new ways to snoop on each other. Some partners are even checking their partner’s phone or Facebook activity to see what their other half is up to.
One in three Australians (36 per cent) in committed relationships recently polled admitted that they have snooped on their partners. Those who admitted spying were more likely to secretly read their partner’s text messages than to open their partner’s mail or to eavesdrop on their partner’s conversations.
The survey found the top five ways couples snoop on each other were:
- Checking text messages
- Opening mail
- Checking their Facebook account activity
- Eavesdropping
- Checking email
Social media is increasingly becoming an issue as relationships breakdown.
What is becoming more and more prevalent is that when people think something has changed in their relationship or something is not right they go straight to social media to investigate.
Because mobile phones and social media allow us to communicate around the clock with a range of people – everyone from family and friends to old school mates and work colleagues – couples are becoming more suspicious and some start snooping.
It’s important for separated couples to understand that they are not required to build a case against their partner.
While snooping may lead to the discovery that your partner has been unfaithful or has hidden something else from you, under Australia’s no fault divorce laws such evidence is not required for the Family Court to grant a divorce.
It's common sense though - open communication between couples always trumps snooping.
The contents of this blog post are considered accurate as at the date of publication. However the applicable laws may be subject to change, thereby affecting the accuracy of the article. The information contained in this blog post is of a general nature only and is not specific to anyone’s personal circumstances. Please seek legal advice before acting on any of the information contained in this post.
