Global News: Divorce Month & the Pandemic - Featuring Laura Paris, Shulman & Partners

Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer with Shulman & Partners LLP, joined Global News to discuss why January is often called “divorce month” and how the pandemic has shaped separation trends. The conversation focused on what the firm has been seeing throughout multiple COVID waves, including a steady increase in divorce inquiries and fewer of the usual seasonal patterns around the holidays. In plain terms, the segment explored how lockdowns and ongoing stress can intensify existing relationship problems, bring financial and parenting disputes to the surface, and make already difficult decisions feel even heavier. It also highlighted how court delays and heightened emotions can make separations more complicated, reinforcing the value of practical, early planning and a realistic approach to resolution.

“The pandemic has created a lot of difficulties for people, emotionally, mentally, physically, and I think that we’re seeing that these issues that people are facing as a result of the pandemic are now starting to fall into relationships as well.”
— Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer, Shulman & Partners LLP

In this interview, the discussion opened with the idea that January is widely viewed as “divorce month,” and then transitioned into how the pandemic has influenced the volume and nature of separation and divorce inquiries. Laura explained that, from what she has seen in practice, the increase in divorce-related calls during the pandemic has been fairly consistent. She suggested the emotional, mental, physical, and financial strain of COVID has either created new relationship issues or exposed problems that were already present.

A notable point was how the usual holiday slowdown did not happen in the same way. Traditionally, many people avoid initiating divorce discussions in December, but Laura noted that during the pandemic the expected dip in calls around the holidays was not as pronounced. As a result, the shift from December to January has not felt like the same dramatic spike, because inquiries have been coming in steadily throughout the year. She also discussed how the “new year, new me” mindset may have spread beyond January during the pandemic, with people having reflective “self-talk” and making change-oriented decisions at different points in the year.

The segment also explored what kinds of issues have been driving conflict. Laura described how time at home reduced many of the outlets people previously relied on to avoid problems, like work schedules, social routines, and going out. This brought underlying disagreements to the surface, including differences in views about COVID, conflicts around parenting decisions such as school attendance, and financial pressures. She noted that in some families, financial realities and even financial secrets came to light when layoffs or income disruptions occurred.

Laura also addressed how the divorce process itself has changed. A major factor has been court delay. With reduced court operations, parties may wait much longer to get in front of a judge, which can prolong uncertainty in high-conflict situations. She explained that when court dates stretch from months to potentially a year, the gap can intensify conflict and make resolution harder. She also observed that it has become more difficult to reason with some clients, which she linked to broader stress and anger during an unprecedented period.

To close, Laura offered practical guidance: focus on cost-benefit, not only financially, but emotionally and in terms of time. Her message was to define a realistic bottom line, pursue reasonable settlement options where possible, and avoid getting stuck in extended conflict long after the relationship itself has ended.

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.