BNN Bloomberg: COVID & Temporary Divorce Solutions - Featuring Ron Shulman, Shulman & Partners

In a pandemic, separation can raise new questions about parenting, money, and how to resolve disputes when life feels unpredictable. In an interview about divorce during COVID-19, Ron Shulman, Managing Partner at Shulman & Partners LLP, explained how the issues families bring forward have shifted over time. He noted that early concerns often focused on children and access, including what health restrictions meant for parenting time and decision making. As families adapted to the new normal, he observed a shift toward financial concerns taking center stage. The interview also addressed practical challenges such as fluctuating asset values, uncertainty around income and support, and how delays in the family court system have shaped the options families consider.

“We are having hearings over Zoom. We are having telephone conferences and electronic files, so that makes it more efficient, but that doesn't stop the fact that there's a significant backlog.”
— Ron Shulman, Managing Partner at Shulman & Partners LLP

Ron discussed what divorce has looked like during the pandemic and what families need to consider as they navigate separation in uncertain times. He explained that over the past year, the issues clients raise have evolved. Early in the pandemic, many disagreements centered on children and access. Parents were trying to understand how restrictions affected parenting time, whether a child could move between households, and how decisions should be made when health guidance and rules were changing.

As the pandemic progressed and families settled into a new normal, Ron said financial issues began taking a central role. He described unpredictability as one of the biggest challenges for resolving disputes. When asset values fluctuate sharply, it becomes harder for people to reach a final settlement, especially if one party wants to keep the home or another significant asset. Ron pointed to examples of shifting markets, including changes in the Downtown Toronto condo market and rising house values, and explained that major swings can make negotiations more difficult because parties hesitate to commit to numbers that may quickly feel outdated.

He also explained that financial uncertainty can increase disagreement over the date of separation. Ron described the separation date as important because it is the point at which assets are valued in Ontario for division. When values change significantly in a short period, it can intensify disputes about whether separation occurred before or after an asset increased or decreased, which can have meaningful consequences.

Income instability is another factor affecting support decisions. Ron noted that job losses and layoffs can reduce income and raise questions about whether support should be adjusted for a payer or recipient. He also highlighted that even people who have not lost their jobs may be worried they will, and that concern can make them reluctant to finalize support on a permanent basis. In those situations, he described a preference some parties have for interim or temporary arrangements until there is a clearer picture of their financial situation.

The interview also addressed the court system. Ron noted that delays and backlogs existed even before the pandemic, and that courts have adjusted quickly with remote hearings, telephone conferences, and electronic filing. However, he emphasized that the backlog remains significant and the system continues to be overwhelmed. For that reason, he said courts have repeatedly encouraged alternatives to court, including mediation and arbitration, and he explained that these approaches can help families resolve issues more quickly and avoid court unless it is necessary.

Watch the full BNN Bloomberg 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.