A divorce can easily become complicated for couples living in Joliet and beyond. Although divorce has never been an easy thing to go through, it may now be even more difficult thanks to technology.

A survey by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers shows that more and more couples are using smart phones as evidence in a divorce. In fact, 92 percent of the attorneys that were surveyed said they saw an increase in the use of smart phones as evidence in divorce cases in the last three years.

Smart phones can provide a judge with a vast amount of information. They can have access to someone's text messages, emails, calls and internet search histories. Although it may negatively impact one spouse, information on a smart phone may be able to help a judge determine who is being truthful.

Text messages may be able to prove whether or not someone's spouse was having an affair. In some cases, text messages may provide evidence of abuse.

Someone's call history can also provide a great deal of information. It may show that a parent was negligent towards their children and may even show whether or not a spouse was involved in illegal activity.

Our phones mean more to us than ever before, and it is almost impossible to find someone without a cell phone. People may consider the text messages they send and phone calls they make private information, but that is likely not the case.

Anyone in Illinois who is planning to get a divorce would likely benefit from talking with an attorney about their smart phone and the potential evidence that may be used against them. With proper planning, an attorney may be able to mitigate the potential consequences.

Source: Reuters, "Divorcing Couples Use Smart Phones as Legal Weapons," Stephanie Rabiner, Esq., Feb. 28, 2012