NewsTalk 1010: Grey Divorce Challenges - Featuring Laura Paris, Shulman & Partners

Divorce later in life, often referred to as grey divorce, can carry consequences that many people underestimate. As more Canadians over 50 reconsider long-term relationships, the emotional and financial risks of separation become increasingly complex. On NewsTalk 1010, Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP, discussed why divorcing later in life can be especially destabilizing, particularly for couples approaching retirement or already relying on fixed incomes.

“Pensions are assets and they are divisible just like the matrimonial home.”
— Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP

Grey divorce refers to the breakdown of a marriage after the age of 50, and according to Laura, it now represents a significant portion of family law matters and notes that a large share of clients fall into this age group, often after decades of shared life and financial planning. One of the most significant challenges in grey divorce is financial reality. Many couples plan their retirement together, assuming one household supported by shared income streams. When separation occurs later in life, that same income must suddenly support two households. This shift often results in financial strain that people did not anticipate when considering divorce.

Laura explains that pensions are not exempt from division. Any pension accrued during the marriage is considered a marital asset and is subject to equalization under Ontario family law. This can come as a shock to individuals who believed their pension was solely theirs or who relied on it as their primary source of retirement security. The same applies to Canada Pension Plan credits, which can also be split between spouses.

Another major consequence is a reduced standard of living. Unless parties are exceptionally wealthy, divorce typically results in lifestyle changes for both individuals. This is especially true for couples who followed more traditional family roles, where one spouse worked while the other managed the household. In these situations, spousal support often becomes necessary, sometimes for the long term, to address financial imbalance created during the marriage.

Laura also highlights that some clients reconsider divorce once they fully understand these implications. While emotional dissatisfaction or lifestyle misalignment may motivate separation, the long-term financial impact can lead people to question whether divorce is worth the cost at this stage of life.

Ultimately, the discussion underscores the importance of informed decision-making. Understanding how assets, pensions, and support obligations work before proceeding can help individuals avoid unexpected outcomes and make choices that reflect both their emotional and financial well-being.

Listen to the full NewsTalk 1010 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.