Why Do I Need A Computer Forensic Expert For A Divorce Case?

Hiding assets, immoral activities, or il­licit affairs are common in divorce cases.  These actions could be relevant in child custody proceedings even in a no-fault state like Washington. Crucial information such as deleted emails, documents, photos and files can be preserved and evaluated. Internet history, creation dates and time stamps of files as well as content in the text of instant messaging conversations can provide insight into the character and behaviors of the spouse’s.

When any of these actions are suspected the first thing that should be done is have a complete copy or forensic image taken of the hard drive. The minimal expense of securing a forensic image early in a case may make the difference between winning and losing.  Forensic investigators need not view the contents of a hard drive when creating an image, so arguments of relevance, privilege, confidentiality, and admissibility can be saved for another time.
The forensic method to obtain an exact image of a computer hard drive copies every byte on the hard drive to an evidence drive.  This copy, or im­age, holds all the information that resides on the computer.  The copy or image may include information that may have been deleted long ago. It also preserves information that is stored in areas a normal computer user does not have access too. Forensic imaging is a critical step in the preservation of the hard drive information as well as a solid, foundation for retaining its admissibility.

If at the beginning of a case you believe that there are assets being hidden, immoral activities, or il­licit affairs going on it is best to have a forensic image of the hard drive taken for future analysis.  The sooner the image is taken the less chance there is for evidence spoilage.  Since in most cases the computer is community property you will need a court order of course or permission from both parties.

Later a forensic expert can proceed with an investigation to collect and document evidence.  When children and custody are involved, having a computer forensic investigator perform a complete analysis of the evidence to prove or clear certain suspicions can be valuable. Computer forensics investigations go far beyond basic looking around on a computer.   Don’t trust the IT person or the local computer shop down the street.  They more than often do not have the skills or the tools to find the evidence, and most certainly the proper certifications to be recognized by the courts as an expert.

Computer Forensics Northwest
425-780-6061