CHCH: GenZ Prefers Prenups - Featuring Julia Fogarty, Shulman & Partners

In a recent interview on CHCH Morning Live, Julia Fogarty, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP, discussed why prenuptial agreements are becoming increasingly common among younger Canadians, particularly Gen Z. According to a recent TD Bank survey, Gen Z couples are 21% above the national average when it comes to signing prenups, a trend Julia attributes to their heightened financial awareness and desire for long-term security. She explained that prenups, or domestic contracts, aren’t about mistrust but about planning ahead, ensuring transparency, and protecting assets in an unpredictable world. Julia also outlined the legal essentials for creating a valid agreement, including full financial disclosure and independent legal advice, reinforcing Shulman & Partners LLP’s reputation as a trusted leader in family law and practical relationship planning.

“If you’re going to do a prenup, you should have a lawyer, but your spouse should also have a lawyer. You work on this document together — it becomes this, we’ll call it a legal love child that you draft and get to the end of, setting out all of these terms.”
— Julia Fogarty, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP

During her interview, Julia shed light on why prenuptial agreements, once considered taboo, are now viewed as practical tools for financial transparency and relationship security. She noted that Gen Z is leading this shift, with about 52% of younger Canadians reportedly entering or planning to enter marriage with a prenup in place, compared to a national average of 31%.

Julia explained that a prenuptial agreement, or “prenup,” is a legally binding document that lists each partner’s assets and debts while outlining how property and finances will be handled if the relationship ends. For couples marrying later in life or entering relationships with significant personal or family assets, such agreements provide clarity and prevent costly disputes down the road.

She also clarified that prenuptial agreements fall under the broader category of domestic contracts, and the terminology depends on timing:

• When signed before marriage, it’s a prenuptial agreement.

• When signed after marriage, it’s a postnuptial agreement.

• For common-law partners, it’s referred to simply as a domestic contract.

Regardless of the label, Julia emphasized that the goal is the same, protecting each party’s interests while setting clear expectations for the future. She also highlighted that a properly drafted agreement can cover not only financial matters but also include terms related to parenting schedules, helping minimize future conflict and reducing the need for litigation.

However, Julia cautioned that to be enforceable, prenups must be created carefully. Two critical components are full financial disclosure and independent legal advice for both parties. Each partner should understand their rights and obligations before signing. This ensures that the agreement is fair, transparent, and more likely to hold up in court.

When asked about the cost, Julia noted that fees can vary widely depending on the complexity of the couple’s finances and their willingness to cooperate. Despite this, she stressed that the upfront investment is well worth it, a comprehensive prenup can save couples thousands of dollars in legal costs and emotional stress if separation ever occurs.

Ultimately, Julia’s insights highlight how younger generations are redefining what it means to plan for marriage. Rather than viewing prenups as pessimistic, they see them as empowering tools that foster financial honesty, fairness, and peace of mind.

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.