If We Are Separated Or Divorced, Can I Open My Spouse’s Mail?

If you open mail addressed only to your spouse or to your ex-spouse, your actions could have serious consequences.  Under the law, tampering with, hiding or opening mail addressed to someone else, even if to your spouse or ex-spouse, is a Federal crime.  

There are two exceptions.  You may open mail addressed to your spouse or ex-spouse when: 

• You are given explicit authority by your spouse or ex-spouse; or
• The letter or mail is also addressed to you.

Even if you do not face criminal charges or are not prosecuted, your spouse or ex-spouse could still start a civil suit which could lead to monetary damages.

In addition to being a crime or opening yourself to a civil suit, if a court finds out that you have been opening the mail of your spouse or ex-spouse, this could have serious consequences on the divorce.

Therefore, if you are in the process of getting a divorce, or you are already divorced, you should never open your spouse’s or your ex-spouse’s mail.

If you are seeking a divorce, or have been served with divorce papers, please contact David Badanes.  David Badanes has offices in Suffolk County and Nassau County. To make an appointment or to learn more, contact David Badanes and the Badanes Law Office, P.C. today at 631-239-1702, email at david@dbnylaw.com or visit us on Facebook to get important legal news, tips and articles: www.facebook.com/BadanesLawOffice.  

By David P. Badanes, Esq. and Hayley Hayden