In a recent interview with CTV News, Ron Shulman, Managing partner at Shulman & Partners LLP, spoke about a growing but often overlooked relationship dynamic known as “silent divorce.” The article explores how many Canadian couples remain under the same roof, raising children and sharing finances, while emotionally disengaging long before any formal separation occurs. Although divorce rates in Canada appear to be declining, this trend does not necessarily reflect fewer relationship breakdowns. Instead, it highlights how legal statistics often fail to capture common-law separations and unresolved family disputes. Ron's commentary helps explain why court filings alone provide an incomplete picture of family breakdown in Ontario and across Canada. His perspective is especially relevant at a time when economic pressures, parenting responsibilities, and housing challenges are influencing how and when couples seek legal guidance.
“I do see more increase of inquiries where clients say, ‘Well I haven’t told my spouse we’re separating,’ or ‘I haven’t made a decision yet. I’m almost there but I want to talk to you about what it will financially look like.’”
— Ron Shulman, Managing Partner, Shulman & Partners LLP
The article examines the concept of “silent divorce,” a situation where couples remain together in practice but have emotionally separated. While therapists describe this phenomenon as longstanding, it has become more visible as families face mounting financial pressures, parenting demands, and lingering stress from the COVID-19 pandemic. Lower national divorce rates, including a historic low in 2020, may suggest stability on paper, but the article explains that these figures do not account for common-law breakups or couples delaying formal separation due to unresolved disputes.
Ron explains that divorce statistics can be misleading because they only measure the legal dissolution of marriage. Many relationships break down without entering the formal court system, particularly among common-law couples. In other cases, couples may legally divorce without significant conflict, while others remain legally together despite high levels of tension over finances, property, or parenting arrangements. From a legal perspective, Ron notes that a more accurate measure of family instability is the volume and complexity of inquiries coming into family law offices and the strain on Ontario’s courts.
The article also highlights how silent divorce often surfaces in households with children and significant financial entanglements. Couples may stay together to preserve stability for their children or to avoid the cost and complexity of separation, especially when real estate and shared assets are involved. Ron confirms this pattern in his practice, noting an increase in clients who have not yet told their spouse they intend to separate but are seeking legal advice to understand the financial consequences.
Seasonal trends also play a role. Ron observes that family law inquiries typically rise from September through the end of the year, with January remaining the busiest month for divorce filings. Recently, however, the nature of disputes has shifted. Economic uncertainty, housing market challenges, and disagreements about whether to sell or retain the family home are increasingly driving conflict. Parenting disputes, particularly around travel and holiday arrangements, have also intensified.
Ron emphasizes the importance of early legal advice before emotions escalate. He cautions that many clients seek help only after conflict has reached a breaking point, making resolution more difficult and costly. Understanding rights and obligations early can help individuals make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary disputes. The article ultimately underscores that while silent divorce may not appear in official data, its legal and emotional consequences are very real for Ontario families.
Read the full CTV News 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.