680 News: Divorce & Social Media - Featuring Alyssa Bach, Shulman & Partners

In a 680 News segment referencing Bill and Melinda Gates announcing their divorce on Twitter, Alyssa Bach, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP in Toronto, explained why posting during a separation is usually a mistake. She emphasized that staying off social media can reduce stress and limit conflict at a time when emotions are already high. She also cautioned that online posts can resurface later in ways people do not expect.

“When it comes to social media, the best thing you can do when you’re in the midst of a divorce is stay away.”
— Alyssa Bach, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP

Alyssa commented on the Gates divorce announcement and used it to highlight a practical point for separating spouses in Toronto and across Ontario: social media can create problems during divorce. She advised that avoiding posting can help reduce stress and avoid escalating conflict, especially when people are feeling reactive or overwhelmed.

Alyssa also warned that posts can come back to haunt you. Once something is shared online, it can be saved, forwarded, or raised later, even if it seems harmless in the moment. She noted that public figures may have teams of advisors helping shape what they say and how they say it, but most people do not. That difference matters because everyday users may not fully anticipate the implications or the way a post could be interpreted.

Her practical advice was to err on the side of caution and simply not post. For many families, staying offline during a divorce is a straightforward step that can prevent avoidable conflict and protect privacy while the separation process unfolds.

Listen to the full NewsTalk 1010 segment here. 

This media appearance is part of Shulman & Partners LLP’s ongoing contributions to Canadian family law discussions. Explore more of our media features in our In the Media  archive.