Global News: Divorcing in Your Elderly Years - Featuring Laura Paris, Shulman & Partners

As divorce rates among older Canadians continue to rise, so too does the need for clear, practical guidance on the unique challenges these separations create. In an interview with Global News, Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP, discussed what is commonly referred to as grey divorce, a term used to describe divorces involving couples who have been married for several decades, often well into retirement. These cases raise distinct legal and financial concerns that differ significantly from divorces involving younger couples.

The conversation explored why long term marriages can unravel later in life and how decisions made decades earlier around work, parenting, and retirement planning can complicate separation. Laura shared insights drawn from her family law practice, helping listeners better understand why grey divorce requires careful consideration, particularly when retirement income, life insurance, and adult children are involved.

“When you are getting divorced in these grey divorces, you are already in retirement where you stopped working and you’re no longer earning an income, and therefore the family unit is not generating new wealth anymore and kind of living off of the resources that they built throughout the relationship.”
— Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer, Shulman & Partners LLP

During the interview, Laura explained that grey divorces present a different financial reality because couples are no longer in their earning years. Unlike younger spouses who may rebuild income and assets over time, many older couples are dividing resources that must last for the remainder of their lives. This reality alone can make separation far more daunting.

Laura identified three primary areas that create added complexity in grey divorces. The first is retirement planning. Most couples plan for retirement with the assumption that they will support one household, not two. Mortgage free living, shared expenses, and pooled retirement income are often central to that plan. Once separation is introduced, those assumptions collapse, forcing each spouse to reassess whether their retirement income can realistically sustain an independent lifestyle.

The second issue is life insurance. Laura noted that many long term marriages involve one spouse who sacrificed career advancement to raise children. As a result, retirement savings and pension income are often uneven. In these cases, spousal support may be required well into later life. Life insurance becomes critical to ensure that support continues if the payor spouse dies, particularly where the recipient spouse depends on that income to meet daily needs.

The third challenge involves adult children. Laura explained that adult children often take a far more active interest in grey divorces than in divorces involving younger families. Because inheritance expectations may be directly affected by how assets are divided, adult children may express strong opinions about legal fees, asset allocation, and long term financial planning. This additional dynamic can add emotional and strategic pressure to an already complex situation.

When asked about individuals contemplating separation later in life, Laura emphasized that financial considerations, while important, are not the only factor. She acknowledged that mental health and personal fulfillment matter, particularly at a stage of life meant for enjoyment rather than conflict. Her practical advice was clear: understand the legal and financial consequences before making any irreversible decisions.

Laura encouraged individuals to begin by speaking with a family lawyer to understand their rights and obligations, followed by consultation with a financial advisor to assess whether post separation goals are achievable. In some cases, separation may be viable. In others, counseling or alternative solutions may be worth exploring. As she noted throughout the discussion, every situation is highly individual, and informed decision making is essential.

Listen to the full Global News 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.