iHeart Radio: Prenups on the Rise - Featuring Laura Paris, Shulman & Partners

In a recent appearance on The Night Shift Podcast with Shane Hewitt, Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP, discussed how modern couples are rethinking prenuptial agreements. Far from being taboo or a symbol of mistrust, Laura explained that prenups are increasingly viewed as practical tools for financial transparency, protection, and long-term relationship stability. Drawing parallels between prenups and insurance policies, she highlighted how couples who establish these agreements early, when emotions are calm and communication is open, can avoid costly and contentious disputes later. Laura also addressed the importance of financial disclosure, the rise of blended families, and the evolving mindset among Canadians who now see prenups as a form of responsible planning rather than pessimism about love.

“You’ve got to look at it like an insurance policy. We don’t pay into insurance because we want our car to get into an accident or our house to burn down. We do it as a just in case. The same thing comes down to a prenup or marriage contract—you’re doing it as a what if.”
— Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer and Team Lead at Shulman & Partners LLP

During her conversation, Laura explains that prenuptial agreements, or marriage contracts as they’re known in Canada, are gaining traction among couples who want clarity and fairness in their relationships. She emphasized that the cultural attitude toward prenups is shifting—particularly as family structures, marriage timelines, and financial realities evolve.

Laura noted that more Canadians are entering marriage later in life, often with established assets, careers, or family wealth. This, combined with the rise of blended families, makes proactive planning crucial. For couples entering second marriages or bringing property and children into new unions, a prenup helps ensure that assets are distributed fairly and that family inheritances are preserved.

A key point Laura raised was the importance of timing. The best time to negotiate a prenup, she explained, is when couples are on good terms and thinking clearly. Agreements made early in a relationship, rather than during conflict, allow partners to make rational decisions rooted in mutual respect. She likened this approach to buying insurance: it’s not about expecting the worst but being prepared for the unexpected.

Financial transparency, she stressed, is essential. When couples fail to disclose all assets, they risk invalidating their agreements. Laura explained that if one partner hides significant assets, such as properties or investments, the other may later argue that they didn’t fully understand what they were signing. Courts could then set aside the agreement, leaving both parties vulnerable to lengthy and expensive litigation.

Laura also outlined situations where prenups work especially well. For example, when one spouse contributes a large down payment on a home, a prenup can protect that initial investment if the relationship ends. However, she cautioned that not all terms are ironclad—particularly when it comes to spousal support. Courts retain the power to override support provisions if they are deemed unfair or unconscionable.

Ultimately, Laura’s insights reframed prenuptial agreements as thoughtful, proactive tools for modern couples. By encouraging open discussions about finances, property, and expectations, she underscored that prenups help reduce conflict and build trust—ensuring that love and practicality can coexist in today’s complex relationships.

Listen to the full iHeart Radio show 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.