Social Media Prenups… Seriously?

Because there’s nothing worse than an angry ex armed with unflattering bikini pics…

Because there’s nothing worse than an angry ex armed with unflattering bikini pics…

Frustrated that your other half spends more time documenting their feelings in Twitterland than paying you real-life attention? Lose your cool every time a person of the opposite sex ‘likes’ their new profile pic? Then maybe you’ll want to start drawing up a social media prenup.

As a new survey by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers reports that 80% of divorcing couples now cite social media as a reason for their break-up, the trend for the specially tailored agreements is on the rise.

Much like Kimye’s rumoured ‘weight gain’ clause, where neither can pile on the pounds without facing a hefty fine and a side serving of divorce papers, this one could allow spouses to set limits on Facebook usage, or see financial punishment for posting pics that aren’t Insta-perfect. Popular clauses include banning the sharing of naked pictures, ‘revenge porn’, or anything that may damage someone’s professional reputation.

Setting boundaries to prevent your partner from over-sharing online is one thing (Because, really, is there anything more irritating than a new couple’s emoji-laden ‘I love you’ wall posts?) But getting this stuff written into a contract? We think it sounds a bit extreme…

Katy Perry is a woman who could well be for the argument. Remember when her then-husband Russell Brand tweeted that clearly unauthorised #nomakeupselfie in 2010, before very, very hastily deleting it? He probably thought he was being sweet… oops.

One savvy New Yorker even won $50,000 after her husband ‘violated’ their agreement. While social media prenups are not currently legally binding in the UK, the Law Commission is starting to consider them in extreme cases where careers have been damaged or children are involved.

We can’t help but wonder whether social media is just a catalyst for bigger problems that already exist in relationship - like lack of real life communication or trust.

Would you ever consider a social media prenup? Tell us what you think @marieclaireuk - But think before you post!