A divorcing couple in today’s day and age may be asked to
give up more than just their money, cars, TVs or the kids. They may be ordered
to hand over their social networking passwords, as well. At the end of
September, Judge Kenneth Shluger ordered that the attorneys for Stephen and
Courtney Gallion, a soon-to-be divorced couple from Connecticut, exchange
“their client’s Facebook and dating website passwords.” Everyone knows that
evidence from social networking sites can come in handy for lawsuits or
divorces, but what was the justification of this court authorized hacking?
According to Stephen’s divorce lawyer, Gary Traystman, Stephen saw a few
potentially incriminating items on the computer he shared with Courtney. This
made him suspect there might be more evidence in her social networking
accounts. Traystman claims there were indications there of how Courtney feels
about her children and her ability to care for them. This information could be
crucial in winning his client full custody. During a deposition, Traystman
asked Courtney for her passwords. Courtney initially refused, but was then
counseled by her lawyer to hand them over. Traystman claims she immediately
texted a friend and asked that person to change her passwords and delete some
messages. That’s when the Judge got involved. He issued an injunction that she
not delete any material and ordered both spouses to exchange passwords. As
shocking as this controversial order may seem, it is not the first time it has
occurred and likely won’t be the last.