CTV News: Legal Risks of Silent Divorce - Featuring Christopher Yu, Shulman & Partners

The concept of a “silent divorce” is gaining attention as more couples find themselves emotionally disconnected while continuing to share a home and daily life. In a recent article, the phenomenon was explored from both emotional and legal perspectives, highlighting how relationships can quietly deteriorate without formal separation. While some couples remain together for financial stability, parenting, or convenience, the absence of clear communication and legal steps can lead to significant consequences. Christopher Yu, Partner at Shulman & Partners LLP, contributed insight on how unresolved separations can create legal and financial uncertainty. His comments emphasize the importance of addressing both the emotional and legal realities of a relationship breakdown under Ontario family law. 

 “It’s always better to deal with it head-on and resolve it before the problem festers and becomes bigger and uncontrollable down the road. Don’t let it linger.”
— Christopher Yu, Partner at Shulman & Partners LLP  

The article explores “silent divorce” as a situation where couples gradually lose emotional connection but continue living together without formally separating. Communication often becomes limited to daily responsibilities, intimacy fades, and unresolved issues remain unaddressed. Over time, partners may begin to feel more like roommates than spouses, sharing space but not a meaningful connection.

From a broader perspective, the article highlights that this dynamic can develop for practical reasons. Financial pressures, the cost of housing, and the responsibilities of raising children can make it difficult for couples to physically separate. In some cases, individuals stay out of habit, fear of change, or a desire to maintain stability for their family. While these choices may seem manageable in the short term, they can create complications if the relationship is not formally addressed.

Christopher focused on the legal risks that arise when couples delay formalizing their separation. When spouses remain legally married, their financial and legal obligations to each other continue, even if they are no longer functioning as a couple. This can become especially complicated when one partner begins a new relationship. Shared financial accounts, such as joint bank accounts or credit cards, can lead to conflict if one spouse starts spending money in ways the other does not agree with.

He also pointed to the potential for estate disputes. In Ontario, a new partner may be able to bring a dependent support claim against a deceased person’s estate. This can result in multiple parties, including a legally married spouse and a new partner, making competing claims. Without a formal separation agreement, these situations can lead to prolonged legal disputes and uncertainty for families.

Additional risks include confusion around financial entitlements, including support obligations, and the division of assets. Without a clearly defined date of separation, increases in income or asset value may still be subject to division. This can create unexpected outcomes when a couple eventually formalizes their separation.

While the article notes that counselling and open communication may help couples address emotional disconnection, it also reinforces the importance of legal clarity. A separation agreement can outline each party’s rights and responsibilities, including financial arrangements and parenting considerations. Taking these steps early can help reduce the risk of future conflict.

Christopher's perspective underscores a practical approach. Addressing the end of a relationship directly and formalizing the necessary legal steps can help individuals move forward with greater certainty and avoid complications later on.

Read the full article here (subscription may be required).

Christopher’s comments were also featured in the Toronto Star, CP24, BNN Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance, and the Toronto Sun.  

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.