Big Mother is Watching You!

I’ve long since suspected that I’m being watched.

And just because I’m paranoid, doesn’t mean they’re not after me!!!

My fears were confirmed to me recently when I had a phone conversation with a colleague about selling an asset through Sotheby’s.  A few hours later, the colleague reported that he was suddenly getting adverts for Sotheby’s, even though he had not done anything other than speak to me about it.

That might be worrying, but what is more worrying is the increase in parents covertly monitoring their kids’ activities.

You may think that that is a good thing and, in some respects, it is, but not if the children in question are staying with the ex, and the monitoring is with a view to collating evidence to use against that ex in child access proceedings.

As surveillance equipment becomes more sophisticated, it is becoming easier for parents to hide such equipment in innocent looking items such as soft toys and use it to produce good quality audio and in some cases video evidence.

Obviously if there is reason to believe that abuse is taking place, then I understand why a parent might do this, but if all you are looking to do is prove that your ex is bad mouthing you, or perhaps is telling low level untruths, such as pretending that the child is unwell as a reason not to take them ballet or making sure they did their homework, you’ll do more harm than good.  Not only will the court be unlikely to allow you to rely on the evidence, but you could find that the court sanctions you for invading the privacy of the other parent.  In an extreme case, you could find your access to the child is limited and your relationship with the ex will be further undermined, which is not going to be in the child’s best interests.  Additionally, if the child is old enough to understand what is going on, it could damage your relationship with them.

If you are considering taking a step like this, my advice would be, don’t.  But if you really feel it is justified, please speak to your legal adviser before you do anything, and at least be aware of the risks before you cross the line.

Kleyman & Co Solicitors.  The full service law firm.  We’re here to watch out for you.