January is often referred to as “divorce month” in Toronto, as separation and divorce inquiries tend to rise once the holidays end. While Statistics Canada data suggests that divorce rates have declined in recent years, a blogTO feature explores why those figures may not accurately reflect the reality families are facing. In the article, Ron Shulman, Managing Partner at Shulman & Partners LLP, explains that official divorce statistics fail to capture the growing number of common law breakups and informal separations, which can be just as legally and financially complex. As relationship structures continue to evolve, particularly among younger couples, these omissions matter.
"The financial reality becomes so difficult that they simply cannot move out. So they are forced to continue living in the same house while separating, which is a very difficult thing to do, both emotionally and practically."
— Ron Shulman, Managing Partner at Shulman & Partners LLP
While Statistics Canada reports fewer formal divorces, Ron explains that these figures exclude common law separations and situations where married couples separate without legally divorcing. In Toronto, he says, these types of relationship breakdowns are becoming increasingly common and paint a very different picture of how families are actually separating.
He notes that common law relationships are particularly prevalent among younger couples and millennials, many of whom choose not to marry. When these relationships end, the emotional and financial consequences can be just as significant as a traditional divorce, especially when property and housing are involved. Julia Fogarty, an Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP, echoes this point in the article, explaining that common law separations often carry the same level of complexity despite being absent from official divorce data.
Financial pressure is a recurring theme throughout the discussion. According to Ron, the rising cost of living in Toronto has made it increasingly difficult for separating couples to support two households. Selling the family home is no longer a simple solution, and in many cases, couples are forced to continue living under the same roof after separating. This reality creates emotional strain and complicates already difficult decisions about property division.
He emphasizes that disputes over the matrimonial home are at the centre of most separation conflicts. Couples are often caught between selling immediately in a challenging market or holding onto the property in hopes of future appreciation. Drawing on his years of experience, he also notes that highly emotional disputes can arise over seemingly minor assets, reflecting how stressful and personal the separation process can be.
Together, the commentary highlights how outdated assumptions about divorce statistics can obscure the real challenges families face when relationships end in today’s economic and social climate.
Read the full BlogTO article here (subscription may be required).
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.