NewsTalk 1010: Ontario Courts Reopened - Featuring Laura Paris, Shulman & Partners

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped many aspects of family life, including how divorces unfold across Ontario. Court closures, financial uncertainty, and shifting asset values have created new challenges for couples who were already separated or in the process of divorcing when the pandemic began. In a recent interview on Newstalk 1010, Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP, discussed why post-pandemic divorces may cost more and how financial realities are complicating what was once a more predictable legal process. Her commentary sheds light on how market downturns, job losses, and court delays are affecting property division and support claims, and why separating couples are being encouraged to approach the process with realism and flexibility. For families navigating separation during this period, her insights highlight why understanding timing, asset valuation, and dispute resolution options matters more than ever.

“When we look to assess equalization or support, we’re looking at those numbers as of the date of separation. What ends up happening is that people are now being expected to pay on amounts that either they aren’t currently earning or assets that they don’t have anymore.”
- Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP

During the interview, Laura explained that many divorces finalized after COVID-19 are becoming more expensive due to financial conditions that no longer reflect the reality couples are living in. Under Ontario family law, property division and support are typically assessed based on financial circumstances at the date of separation. However, for couples who separated before or during the early stages of the pandemic, those numbers may no longer align with current income levels or asset values.

Laura noted that market downturns, employment disruptions, and reduced investment values mean some individuals are being asked to equalize or pay support based on assets or earnings that no longer exist. This disconnect creates added complexity, often requiring more negotiation, expert involvement, or court intervention, all of which can increase legal costs.

She emphasized that courts do have discretion to consider reasonableness and fairness in light of COVID-related financial changes. That said, court proceedings themselves tend to be more expensive, especially given the significant backlog created by pandemic closures. As a result, Laura highlighted the importance of being realistic and solution-oriented when resolving financial disputes.

Rather than pursuing positions that reflect pre-pandemic values, Laura encouraged separating spouses to consider what is practical and sustainable now. She explained that insisting on outdated valuations often leads to prolonged disputes that ultimately cost more, both financially and emotionally. In many cases, the likely court outcome would involve some level of adjustment to reflect current market conditions anyway.

The interview also addressed how the pandemic has affected the volume and nature of separation inquiries. Laura shared that Shulman & Partners LLP has seen a significant increase in consultation requests since COVID-19 began. Some callers had longstanding relationship issues that were intensified by pandemic stress, while others experienced new conflicts brought on by financial pressure and confinement.

At the same time, Laura observed that not all inquiries lead to immediate separation. For some couples, understanding the financial and emotional costs of divorce has prompted them to pause and consider whether reconciliation or alternative dispute resolution might be a better first step. She noted that mediation and arbitration can often provide more efficient and cost-effective paths forward than litigation.

Overall, Laura’s insights underscore how the pandemic has reshaped family law disputes, making early legal advice and realistic financial planning essential for couples navigating separation in uncertain times.

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.