Michigan residents, like many others across the world, are likely to currently use social networks such as Facebook or have used them in the past. Granted, social media sites are a good way to stay connected and in touch with others, but a recent study published in the journal “Computers in Human Behavior” has linked the use of social media to people having issues in their relationship and likely pondering the thought of divorce.
According to this study, one reason for people contemplating divorce is that the use of Facebook, for instance, allows them to connect with former partners. Furthermore, one is able to have not only private, but also fairly easy, communication with a former lover. The study highlights the fact that even though half of all marriages end in divorce, social networking contributes to that failure rate of marriages.
However, in an age in which people are surrounded with various social networking opportunities, the ability to avoid them completely is unrealistic. Thus, for a married couple to avoid conflict in their relationship, which may result in divorce, it may be helpful to discuss the use of social networking with one’s spouse and set ground rules for what sort of behavior is and is not acceptable. For instance, a couple may agree not to accept any request from former partners or agree to inform the other if one engages in a new form of social media. However, it is important to know that despite all these steps, a marriage may still fail and result in a divorce, perhaps for other reasons.
Regardless of the reasons behind a divorce, couples may want to consider options such as a prenuptial agreement to protect their assets. A prenuptial agreement, which is a legal contract that both spouses enter into that addresses issues such as asset, property division and like, becomes operative only if the marriage should dissolve. For a fair and equitable prenuptial agreement, it is important of both spouses to have legal representation.
Source: CBS Money Watch, “Divorce, social networks and prenups,” Ray Martin, July 10, 2014