Ageing in Action: Coupling Later in Life - Featuring Laura Paris, Shulman & Partners

A recent episode of Ageing in Action featured Associate Lawyer Laura Paris of Shulman & Partners LLP, who joined the program to discuss the growing trend of couples forming long-term relationships later in life. As people live longer, remain active, and enter second or even third relationships, families are encountering increasingly complex legal and financial considerations. Laura  explained why later-in-life relationships raise unique questions about cohabitation, estate planning, adult children’s expectations, and the need for clarity around assets. Her insights highlighted the importance of informed decision-making, especially when individuals have already built substantial careers, accumulated property, or experienced earlier long-term partnerships. The discussion underscored why understanding one’s rights and obligations before making major relationship decisions is essential for maintaining stability and protecting loved ones.

“Get the information. It doesn’t hurt to just have an understanding of what the law is and how it may impact you.”
— Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer, Shulman & Partners LLP

In her conversation with Ageing in Action, Laura explored the realities facing individuals who form long-term partnerships later in life. She began by explaining how the legal landscape differs between younger couples beginning their adult lives and older adults entering second marriages or serious relationships. Many people in their 60s or 70s are retired, living on pensions, or managing assets built over several decades, which means their financial and family circumstances require a more tailored approach.

One of the first issues Laura discussed was cohabitation. Many people assume that living in separate homes avoids legal implications, but she clarified that cohabitation can be established through consistent patterns, such as regularly staying at each other’s homes, spending summers together at one property, or sharing daily routines. These patterns can trigger spousal rights under Ontario law, even without a formal marriage. Because of this, she emphasized the importance of clarity around living arrangements and the potential need for a cohabitation agreement or marriage contract if couples intend to combine households.

Laura then addressed the role of adult children, noting that later-life relationships often bring emotional and financial complications. Adult children may feel protective of their parent’s assets or fear that a new partner will alter their future inheritance. While these concerns can be understandable, Laura cautioned that they can also interfere with a parent’s autonomy, happiness, and decision-making. She encouraged families to prioritize communication and resist allowing financial worries to overshadow the parent’s well-being.

The discussion also highlighted common misconceptions, such as assumptions that pensions cannot be shared or that estate matters naturally resolve themselves. She explained that family law treats pensions like any other asset, and without proper planning, conflicts can arise that affect both partners and their extended families. She encouraged individuals to educate themselves early, even if they ultimately decide not to formalize an agreement. Knowledge, she emphasized, allows people to make informed choices that reflect their values and protect their long-term interests.

Finally, Laura noted that many later-in-life couples prefer creative solutions rather than strict legal entitlements. This can include maintaining joint investments, sharing certain properties, or making arrangements that support their lifestyles without fully dividing assets. Mediation and open communication can help couples reach practical decisions tailored to their needs.

Overall, the segment underscored the importance of proactive planning when forming relationships later in life and the value of understanding legal implications before making major commitments.