Recordings

My name is Milo and my father is currently going through a divorce with my mother. I've noticed at dinner times my mother nonconsentually records what my father says in an attempt to gain evidence for the divorce. AKA my mother might say something mean to my father to start an arguement then begin recording. I've told my father but I don't think its right that my mother records him without his consent. Is this legal?

Hello Milo,

it is not illegal to make recordings - audio or video - in your own home for your own personal reasons; even if those being recorded are not aware or haven't given consent.

It is rare for courts to accept such recordings as evidence.
It's a common ploy to make recordings of conversations, often with the intent to provoke the other person into saying something or doing something that could be used against them.

As your father is now aware that he is being recorded, he can refuse to engage in conversation with your mother, and ask that any communications about the big stuff, divorce, money, etc be done via email. I know that sounds bonkers when they live in the same house, but it a good way to diffuse heated conversations, and allows both people to take a step back, think what they want to convey to the other person and give them time to consider what is in the email.

Generally speaking, conduct is rarely taken in to account when looking at sorting out the finances, and behaviour is no longer a factor in applying for a divorce.

If you are a minor, you can talk to your pastoral teacher at school, your GP in confidence or ChildLine. You may find this info at Young Minds useful: www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-a-z...ealth-guide/divorce/