Can a subpoena be issued to Google to retrieve hacked email account?
In civil dispute with ex who never paid his half of children's medical bills. Fairly certain he hacked my computer because all emails were suddenly gone within the pertinent time frame. No tech expert - Geek Squad, ATT Tech, JSCC Tech - could find anything and all said I was hacked. Ex owes over $20,000 in bills and unpaid child support. He claims he never rec'd the bills within the time limits of divorce decree which is false. I emailed copies and delivered hard copies on multiple occasions as soon as bills were rec'd. I was told that tech experts could possibly find out origin of hacker? Thanks.
Review and Analysis of Hacked Email Account in Family Law Dispute
Introduction and Contextual Understanding
In a family law dispute, an individual in Birmingham, Alabama believes their ex-partner hacked their email, deleting all correspondences within a pertinent timeframe. This hack has led to a dispute over unpaid medical bills and child support, which amount to over $20,000. The complainant claims to have both emailed and provided hard copies of these bills multiple times. Technical experts have indicated a possible hack but have not determined its origin.
Relevant Statutes and Regulations
- Alabama Rule of Civil Procedure 45 - Regarding subpoenas.
- Alabama Child Support Guidelines - Pertaining to child support calculations and obligations.
- Alabama Code Title 13A. Criminal Code § 13A-8-102 - Relating to unauthorized computer access.
Potential Solutions
- Subpoena Google: As Google is the email service provider, a subpoena can be issued to retrieve the deleted emails, if available. Google may also have IP logs, which can assist in tracing the source of unauthorized access. However, Google might contest or challenge the subpoena based on user privacy rights. Always find the right attorney in your area to assist with this process.
- Hire a Digital Forensics Expert: This expert could potentially trace the source of the hack, possibly linking it back to the ex-partner. Given the costs involved, it's crucial to weigh this option against the potential financial recovery.
- Pursue the Outstanding Amount in Court: Present all other evidence, including hard copies and any witnesses, to substantiate the claim that the bills were delivered multiple times.
Estimated Costs for Services in Birmingham, Alabama
Service | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Issue a subpoena to Google | $450 - $700 |
Digital Forensics Expert | $1,500 - $3,000 |
Family Law Attorney (hourly rate) | $200 - $350 |
Note: These prices are estimates and may vary based on the experience, skills, and knowledge of the professional and the intricacies of the case.
Seeking Further Clarifications
For a better understanding of the situation and to provide more tailored advice, please answer the following:
- Were there any witnesses when you handed over the hard copies of the bills?
- Have you previously raised concerns or had suspicions about unauthorized access before this incident?
- Are there any other forms of communication (text messages, social media messages) that might corroborate your claims?
Moreover, considering the potential legal complexities, it might be in your best interest to find the right attorney in your area who can guide you through the process effectively.
Relevant Questions to Answer
- Bill Delivery Proof: How can you prove that the bills were delivered both via email and in hard copy?
- Other Evidence: Do you have other evidence suggesting your ex-partner might have had motive or means to hack your email?
- Security Precautions: Have you taken any security precautions since discovering the hack, such as changing passwords or enabling two-factor authentication?
Legal Disclaimer
This response is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship has been established by this communication. Always consult with a local attorney regarding any legal questions or matters.
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Sun, 09/03/2023 - 11:01 This page is dedicated to Family Law in Birmingham
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