Are “Divorce Selfies” The New Divorce Announcement?

New Jersey divorce attorneys have long cautioned their clients about the potentially negative effects of social media on a divorce case. Social media posts can be used in court for a number of purposes, including to contradict evidence you present about matters like your health, financial situation, or the quality of your relationship with your spouse, children, or other people.

A new trend, however, appears to be flying in the face of this advice. Couples who establish an amicable divorce settlement are now taking “divorce selfies” and posting them to social media.

The “divorce selfies” typically feature one or both of the spouses, often holding their divorce decree or similar paperwork. Some photos appearing under the related hashtag, #DivorceSelfies,” show couples who are announcing their intent to separate or divorce. Some photos are taken in the courtroom itself or in the courthouse; others feature the newly divorced couple celebrating their separation at a bar or other venue.

Supporters of the trend say that it’s uplifting: it shows that divorce can be a mutual, amicable decision that both spouses agree is in their best interests and work together to achieve. Skeptics, however, wonder whether divorce is something to be celebrated.

Meanwhile, many attorneys point out that, as cheerful or friendly as “divorce selfies” may feel, they do create another part of your public record that might be used in future court proceedings to undermine your stated legal position. When a couple has young children, a selfie might compromise the children’s privacy as well as create a record of a day that they don’t want to remember—even if their parents do.

An experienced New Jersey divorce lawyer is an essential member of your team when you consider or pursue a divorce. Your lawyer can help you understand how the law applies to your situation, negotiate a settlement that works for you, and protect your legal rights, so that you can focus on building a more promising future.