Security clearance paperwork has a way of reopening chapters you thought were firmly closed…including the ones labeled “ex-spouse.” While investigators aren’t in the business of revisiting old relationship drama, many clearance applicants still wonder whether their past marriages might resurface during the process. Before you panic at the thought of your ex getting a surprise phone call from the government, it helps to understand what investigators actually care about, and why your clearance is far more about trustworthiness than who kept the couch in the divorce.
QuestionOnSP85 resurfaces an old thread on the ClearanceJobsBlog:
Is this true for SF85p tier 2 investigations as well? Will they interview my ex spouse if within 10 years?
For most Public Trust positions, an ex-partner is not contacted as part of the background investigation. Public Trust investigations are designed to evaluate suitability, such as employment history, financial responsibility, and overall reliability, rather than personal relationships. In Low or Moderate Risk Public Trust cases, investigators typically rely on employers, supervisors, and listed professional or personal references. An ex may only be contacted in limited circumstances, such as if they were listed as a reference, lived with the applicant during the investigation period, or are directly connected to a specific issue that requires clarification. Even in higher-risk Public Trust investigations, contacting an ex is only done when there is a clear investigative reason. The most important step for applicants is to be honest and accurate on their background forms, as transparency carries far more weight than a flawless personal history.
Marko Hakamaa, CJ blog moderator writes, “no, that was for only National Security investigations” [that an ex spouse would be contacted].
In the end, clearance paperwork and relationships follow the same rule: honesty saves everyone a headache. Being upfront on your forms keeps investigators from finding surprises, and being decent in your marriage (just in case it ever turns into an ex-marriage) can spare you a few awkward moments down the road. After all, paperwork lasts forever, investigators and exes have long memories.
Much about the clearance process resembles the Pirate’s Code: “more what you’d call guidelines than actual rules.” For this reason, we maintain ClearanceJobsBlog.com – a forum where clearance seekers can ask the cleared community for advice on their specific security concerns. Ask CJ explores questions posed on the ClearanceJobs Blog forum, emails received, and comments from this site. This article is intended as general information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Consult an attorney regarding your specific situation.
