NewsTalk 1010: Social Media & Divorce - Featuring Laura Paris, Shulman & Partners

In an appearance on NewsTalk 1010, Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP, discussed how social media activity can significantly impact divorce and custody cases in Ontario. As more personal details are shared online, posts and messages often become central to family law disputes, either supporting or undermining claims about parenting, finances, and conduct. Laura explained that while social media can offer valuable insight into a person’s behavior, it can also create new conflicts, prolong legal proceedings, and make private matters public. Her conversation offered a timely reminder about how online behavior during separation can have lasting legal consequences.

“The preliminary conversation that we tend to have about social media with new clients is more so stay off of it and get rid of it while you’re dealing with divorce proceedings.”
— Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer, Shulman & Partners LLP

During the interview, Laura explained that social media evidence has become a regular part of modern divorce cases. In situations involving child custody, substance use, or disputes about character, online posts can be used to confirm or challenge a person’s credibility. For example, if a parent accused of substance abuse posts photos of themselves using drugs or alcohol, that content can serve as evidence in court—something that would previously have been difficult to prove without corroboration.

She also highlighted that not all online information carries equal weight. Posts made before separation might be less relevant than those shared during or after, when the parties are aware that their conduct is under scrutiny. This is because courts often place greater importance on current behavior and judgment, particularly when it affects children’s well-being or demonstrates an ongoing pattern.

Laura emphasized that privacy boundaries still exist. If an account is private, there is a reasonable expectation that outsiders, including opposing counsel, cannot access it without proper cause or a court order. Conversely, public posts are considered “fair game.” She explained that while some people attempt to hide behind secondary accounts or private profiles, their online activity can still resurface through screenshots, mutual connections, or digital traces left behind.

When asked about lawyers or investigators using deceptive tactics to obtain information, Laura clarified that such approaches are rare and ethically complex. Instead, she said that clients themselves sometimes bring forward relevant online evidence, such as posts that show defamation, new relationships, or behavior inconsistent with prior claims.

Finally, she noted that while social media may seem like a convenient outlet for frustration, public criticism of an ex-partner can easily escalate disputes. Such posts often lead to formal legal warnings and unnecessary tension, making it harder for both parties to reach resolution.

Listen to the full NewsTalk 1010 interview 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.