BNN Bloomberg: Living Together After Separation - Featuring Ron Shulman, Shulman & Partners

In an interview with BNN Bloomberg, Ron Shulman, Managing Partner at Shulman & Partners LLP, discussed a growing trend among separated couples in Ontario: continuing to live under the same roof after separation. Driven by soaring housing costs and limited rental availability, more former partners are choosing cohabitation as a financial necessity rather than a preference. While this arrangement may help avoid immediate financial strain, it raises significant legal and emotional challenges. During the conversation, Ron explained how separation is legally defined, addressed misconceptions about “abandonment,” and highlighted the practical steps couples should take if they decide to share a home post-separation. His insights offer clarity on what families need to consider to protect their rights and reduce conflict during an already difficult transition.

“A separation is a question of fact. The key date of separation is critical—it’s the trigger point for rights and obligations, the moment when we split assets and determine when support begins.”
— Ron Shulman, Managing Partner, Shulman & Partners LLP

As housing prices and rent costs continue to climb across Ontario, a growing number of separating couples are finding themselves unable to afford two separate homes. In his interview, Ron noted that this economic pressure is leading more partners to remain in the same household despite no longer being in a relationship. While this may seem like a practical short-term solution, he cautioned that it introduces serious legal and emotional complexities.

Ron clarified a key misconception: physical separation is not the sole requirement for legal separation. Under Ontario law, separation is determined by a range of factors, including whether couples still share a bedroom, attend social gatherings together, or continue to present themselves publicly as partners. If one spouse believes the relationship is over while the other does not, disputes can arise over the official date of separation. That date is crucial, as it determines when property division and support obligations begin.

The interview also addressed the widespread myth of “abandonment.” Many people fear that moving out of the family home means forfeiting ownership rights, but as Ron explained, property division in Ontario depends on title, not who remains in the home. Leaving the house does not mean losing one’s legal interest. However, he emphasized that moving out can affect parenting arrangements, as changes to children’s routines or caregiving patterns may influence custody decisions.

Ron also described how shared living arrangements can quickly become emotionally strained. Couples who choose to remain together after separation are encouraged to set clear ground rules and temporary agreements to define household responsibilities, finances, and exit strategies should tensions escalate. Without these safeguards, he warned, conflicts can intensify and lead to costly litigation.

Finally, Ron advised that once separation occurs, couples should begin the process of untangling shared finances and creating financial transparency. Continuing to commingle accounts or share expenses without clear boundaries can complicate future legal proceedings. By approaching separation with structure and foresight, couples can minimize both legal risks and emotional fallout.

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.