When going through a divorce, it may be tempting to record conversations with an estranged spouse in hopes of exposing violent outbursts, threats, or other inappropriate behavior – conversations that one spouse might perceive as a danger to themselves or their children.
Even if you have concerns regarding threatening phone conversations, in Illinois, you may not legally record a conversation without the other party’s consent. Illinois is a two-partly state, which means all parties to a telephone conversation must know and consent to being recorded.
Surreptitiously or deceptively recording conversations are not only inadmissible in court, but anyone illegally recording conversations may be charged with a felony potentially resulting in incarceration and fines.
If you are on the receiving end of violent, harassing, or threatening calls from an estranged spouse and fear for your safety or that of your children, call the police. If are not in imminent danger and are unsure what to do, consider contacting an experienced family law domestic abuse attorney to explore options not only to stop the harassment, but to help you to prove in court that your spouse’s behavior may represent a threat to the well-being of yourself and your children.
Contact an Experienced Illinois Divorce Lawyer
Marital domestic violence often carries over into a divorce proceeding and may involve threatening or harassing contact from an estranged spouse. In other cases, a separation or divorce can trigger behavior that is uncharacteristic, but is nevertheless threatening to a spouse or child on the receiving end. When you have concerns regarding harassing phone calls or inappropriate contact from an estranged spouse, contact the Libertyville family law offices of Ronald L. Bell & Associates PC for immediate assistance today at 847-495-6000.