Is it legal to look at spouses text messages?

Is it legal to look at spouses text messages?

Under Federal law, you are not permitted to view, read or listen to any communication on someone else’s phone or electronic device. There is case law where spouses have actually been charged criminally when snooping through a spouse’s phone for proof of an affair.

Should you talk to your ex during a divorce?

You avoid those traps by not talking to your spouse at all during divorce proceedings. Some divorcing couples try to record their conversations for possible incriminating evidence, but most lawyers recommend against it. Improper recording may create criminal liability or may not be admissible in court.

Is it a crime if I look at my spouse’s email account without permission?

Our state and federal governments long have protected electronic privacy. In general, all of these various laws have the effect of making it a felony to intercept without authorization an electronic communication, including emails. If you have permission to access your spouse’s email account, you can do so.