The phrase ‘prenuptial agreement’ usually triggers thoughts of financial issues. However, a prenuptial agreement can cover a range of other areas, and is a way of protecting married partners from potential claims that their other half may make during divorce. Such an agreement ensures that each party knows what the score is in case of divorce, thus keeping finances or any valuable assets safe. Whilst money is indeed a valuable asset, so is privacy, reputation and goodwill. In a world that shares an overwhelming amount on the internet, a trend has developed for couples to prenup their privacy: say hello to the ‘social media prenup’.
A social media prenuptial agreement prevents ex-partners from posting material of their ex-partner online, such as revealing photographs or anything that may harm their reputation. Being in an intimate and open relationship is not something to take advantage of outside of the relationship, and ex-partner’s privacy should be respected both in and after the relationship. As a solicitor states, a social media prenup is a good way to ‘put down on paper what the expectations are after you’re divorced’ and a way of showing ‘that you’re going to treat each other with respect’ both during and after the relationship. Any other information, such as that about your family, children or inheritance, can be included in such a forward-planning arrangement.
It is not just an option for high-profile or celebrity couples, but ideal for anyone concerned about post-divorce privacy. In fact, it’s particularly suitable for anyone whose business relies upon their own personal reputation, from lawyer to interior designer.
It may seem petty but a prenuptial agreement- whether monetary or concerning one’s privacy- is a form of contract which must be adhered to, and breaking such a legal contract can have severe repercussions.
The social media prenup, highly suitable for today’s online-obsessed society, is a great idea; after all, once posted online, it is very difficult to remove that sensitive personal data. According to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, over 80% of divorce lawyers have noted an increase in the involvement of social network issues in divorce proceedings.
When arranging your prenuptial agreement, you may want to consider covering your virtual back with a social media prenuptial agreement.