Protecting Your Privacy In A High-Profile Divorce In Leesburg
People who are well-known or hold positions of power in our community often face scrutiny in both their private and public lives. While most understand and accept this as part of having a high profile, it can still prove challenging in the event of a divorce. As an experienced Leesburg divorce attorney, we routinely handle high-profile divorce cases in Loudoun County. The following are tips to help protect yourself and your privacy throughout these proceedings.
Legal Options for Protecting Your Privacy in Divorce
A divorce is generally considered a matter of public record. This means that anyone can obtain information about your case. Under the Virginia Code (Section 17.1-208), court records can generally be accessed either through an online search or by requesting documents through the clerk. This can create problems in a high-profile divorce case.
If you hold elected office, hold a high level security clearance, are head of a major corporation, or are well-known in the community, information revealed throughout divorce proceedings could be used as gossip, to smear your name, or even for blackmail purposes. However, there are several legal options for protecting your privacy;
- File a request with the court to have your divorce records sealed. This generally only happens in cases involving sensitive information about children, false accusations, or where you can prove that public disclosures would harm the individuals involved.
- Negotiate a divorce settlement. Negotiating a settlement out of court helps in keeping sensitive details about your marriage or divorce private and allows you to avoid public divorce hearings.
- Non-disclosure statements: As part of a divorce settlement, the parties could agree to sign non-disclosure statements, preventing them from discussing the matters or the terms of any agreements reached.
Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself in a High-Profile Divorce
In addition to the above legal options, there are steps you can take on your own to protect your privacy when filing a divorce through the Loudoun County Circuit Court. These include:
- Consider making a public statement: Acknowledging the situation by making a brief, public statement about your divorce and requesting privacy can often help protect you against excessive gossip and speculation.
- Avoid social media: Avoid posting about your divorce or the circumstances surrounding your breakup on social media accounts. In fact, it is better to stay off these sites completely until your case is resolved.
- Steer clear of any drama: Do your best to avoid public arguments with your spouse, acting out in court hearings, or other actions that only call attention to your situation and fuel gossip.
Request A Confidential Consultation with Our Loudoun County Divorce Attorneys
At Schwartz Kalina, PLLC, we have years of experience handling complex family court matters. If you hold a public office, hold a security clearance, come from a powerful family, or are otherwise in a high-profile situation, we provide the trusted legal representation you need. You can count on us to protect your rights and privacy in Loudoun County divorce proceedings. To request a confidential consultation, call or contact our Leesburg divorce attorneys online today.
Sources:
law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title17.1/chapter2/section17.1-208/#:~:text=No%20person%20shall%20be%20permitted,use%20by%20the%20general%20public.
vacourts.gov/courts/jdr/loudoun/home.html
