Huge Increase Of Texts And App Evidence In Divorces Say Nation's Top Lawyers

CHICAGO, June 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The NSA might have met its match with the spying activities of suspicious spouses throughout the country.  According to the most recent survey of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a dramatic 97% of members have seen an increase in divorce evidence being taken from smart phones and other wireless devices during the past three years.  In addition, an almost universal number of 99% of respondents have cited a rising number of text messages being used in cases, while 67% have noted more evidence being gathered from apps.  As might be expected, the top three apps for divorce evidence also mirror popular social media sites, with 41% citing Facebook, 17% choosing Twitter, and 16% noting Instagram.   

"In the past, a suspicious spouse might have turned to a private investigator for this kind of detailed information, but nowadays most people willingly carry around some kind of wireless tracking device everywhere they go," said James McLaren, president of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.  "As with almost every aspect of our lives, smart phones and other wireless devices are having a big impact on the ways in which couples divorce."

Overall, 97% of the attorneys cited an increase in the number of cases using evidence taken from smart phones and other wireless devices during the past three years, while 2% said no change and only 1% noted a decrease.  The most common types of evidence gathered were cited by 46% as "texts," while 30% said "emails," 12% "phone numbers/call history," 7% "Internet browsing/searches," and "GPS" was noted by 4% of the respondents.  In total, 99% cited an increase of cases using text messages during the past three years, while 1% noticed no change. 

An increase in the number of cases using evidence taken from apps during the past three years was cited by 67% while 28% chose no change, and 5% noted a decrease.  In addition to the top three apps listed for divorce evidence, the next selections included Find My iPhone and Snapchat at 6% each, 4% choosing Google Maps, Google+ at 3% and WhatsApp and Tinder each picked by 1% of the respondents. 

About AAML

Founded in 1962, the mission of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) is to provide leadership that promotes the highest degree of professionalism and excellence in the practice of family law.

Comprised of the top 1,600 matrimonial attorneys throughout the nation, members are recognized experts in the specialized areas of matrimonial law, including divorce, prenuptial agreements, legal separation, annulment, custody, property valuation and division, support, and the rights of unmarried couples. 

SOURCE American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers