CHCH: Long-Term Effects of Silent Divorce - Featuring Morgan Copeman, Shulman & Partners

 As the cost of separation continues to concern many families, some couples are choosing to delay the legal process altogether. This growing trend, often referred to as a "silent divorce," involves couples who have decided their relationship is over but postpone addressing the legal, financial, and parenting issues that come with separation. In an  interview with CHCH Morning Live , Morgan Copeman, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP, discussed why delaying these important conversations can create greater uncertainty and expense over time. Her advice focused on the value of having a clear plan in place from the outset, helping families navigate separation with greater certainty and fewer complications. 

 "If you sit there and you don't do anything, then there's confusion about when you separated. There's confusion about how to disentangle your rights from then on..." 
— Morgan Copeman, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP 

During the interview, Morgan explained that a "silent divorce" occurs when couples know their relationship has ended but continue living together without taking legal steps to separate. Rather than addressing parenting arrangements, finances, and other legal issues, they postpone difficult decisions in the hope that circumstances will improve.

She highlighted that one of the biggest misconceptions is that divorce itself creates legal rights. In reality, it is separation that triggers many of the legal rights and obligations between spouses. Waiting to formalize that separation can create uncertainty around finances, parenting arrangements, and the date of separation, making future disputes more difficult to resolve.

Morgan also discussed the financial concerns that often prevent couples from moving forward. Some worry they cannot afford the legal process, while others believe there are simply not enough assets to justify taking action. Although these concerns are understandable, she noted that delaying separation rarely improves the situation. Instead, unresolved issues can become more complicated over time, particularly if one spouse takes on debt or makes financial decisions that affect both parties.

Parenting arrangements are another area where delay can create challenges. Couples often settle into routines while continuing to live under the same roof, but those routines may not reflect the long-term parenting arrangements either parent intends. Establishing a plan early helps provide greater clarity for both parents and children.

Lastly, the interview also addressed the common belief that waiting will save money. Morgan added that when couples develop a plan early and work toward resolving issues before conflict escalates, separation can often be handled more efficiently. By contrast, allowing problems to build over time frequently results in more complicated disputes and higher legal costs.

The key message from the interview was that while separation is never easy, taking proactive legal steps early can help reduce uncertainty and provide a clearer path forward. A well-developed plan allows families to address important decisions before they become larger, more costly problems.

Watch the full CHCH Morning Live 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.