CP24: Sexting in Divorce Cases - Featuring Laura Paris, Shulman & Partners

Public conversations about sexting resurfaced following revelations involving a Canadian public figure, prompting renewed scrutiny around digital behaviour, privacy, and legal consequences. While sexting between consenting adults is not illegal, its implications can be far-reaching, particularly when it intersects with personal relationships, professional reputations, and family law matters. In a CP24 interview addressing these issues, Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP, provided clarity on how sexting fits within the legal framework and why it often becomes relevant in divorce proceedings. Her commentary highlights the growing importance of understanding digital footprints in an era where online conduct can easily spill into real-world consequences. For families navigating separation or divorce, this discussion offers timely insight into how modern communication habits can influence already complex situations under Ontario family law.

“So we find with the rise of social media that people need to be a lot more careful about the digital footprint that they’re leaving out there.”
— Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP

The interview explored the legal and practical implications of sexting, particularly as it relates to relationships and marriage breakdowns. Laura explained that while sexting between adults is not inherently illegal, many people underestimate the permanence and reach of their digital actions. Messages, images, and online interactions often leave lasting records that can resurface in unexpected ways.

From a family law perspective, Laura noted that sexting frequently appears in the context of marital conflict. While many spouses view sexting as a form of cheating, she clarified that infidelity itself does not significantly affect how divorce issues are resolved under Canadian law. The Divorce Act no longer requires proof of adultery to obtain a divorce, and misconduct such as sexting generally does not influence decisions about property division, child support, or spousal support.

That said, sexting can still have indirect consequences. It may accelerate the breakdown of a relationship or intensify disputes during separation. She emphasized that people often believe wrongdoing within a marriage will lead to legal penalties, but the law focuses on financial and parenting outcomes rather than moral fault.

The discussion also addressed where sexting crosses into serious legal risk. Laura underscored that involvement with underage individuals is where criminal liability arises, a distinction that some people fail to fully appreciate before engaging online. Even when conduct is lawful, she cautioned that questionable online behaviour can damage credibility, reputations, and personal relationships.

Throughout the interview, Laura reinforced the importance of judgment and awareness, especially in an age where online interactions feel informal but carry real consequences. Whether for public figures or private individuals, digital behaviour can easily become public and have lasting effects, particularly during emotionally charged events like divorce or separation. Her insights serve as a reminder that technology has changed how relationships unfold, but the legal system continues to assess outcomes through established family law principles.

Watch the full CP24 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.