AM640: Federal Divorce Act Turns 50 - Featuring Laura Paris, Shulman & Partners

More than half a century after the federal Divorce Act came into force, conversations around marriage breakdown in Canada continue to evolve. In a recent AM640 segment marking the Act’s 50th anniversary, the discussion explored how legal reform and shifting social norms have reshaped divorce in Canada. Laura Paris, an Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP, joined the program to provide historical and practical context, explaining how divorce moved from a rare and stigmatized outcome to a regulated and more accessible legal process.

The segment also touched on a familiar modern trend. January is often referred to as divorce month, a time when many people reassess their relationships and consider major life changes. Against the backdrop of evolving family structures, later-in-life marriages, and changing expectations around partnership, the interview offered insight into why divorce rates have changed and what those shifts reveal about Canadian society today.

“A new year is usually a new beginning, so if people are having issues in their relationships they see January as a time to have a fresh start.”
— Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP

During the interview, Laura reflected on how divorce was viewed in Canada prior to the introduction of the federal Divorce Act in 1968. Before that legislation, divorce was governed provincially and was both difficult to obtain and socially discouraged. In many cases, legal standards were uneven and gendered, with women facing a higher threshold to qualify for divorce than men. The Divorce Act introduced a uniform framework across the country, making divorce more accessible and equitable for both spouses.

Laura explained that despite the legal change, societal attitudes did not shift overnight. Early divorce laws were rooted in moral fault concepts such as adultery or cruelty. Over time, however, the reasons for divorce became less about moral judgment and more about practical realities, including compatibility, financial pressures, and individual fulfillment. As family roles and gender dynamics evolved, so too did expectations around marriage.

The conversation also addressed modern divorce patterns. While divorce rates once climbed steadily, Laura noted that they have begun to decline in recent years. One explanation is that people are getting married later in life. With more time to establish careers, independence, and personal values before marriage, many couples enter long-term relationships with greater clarity about their needs and expectations.

The interview connected these broader trends to present-day practice, including the noticeable increase in divorce inquiries each January. She emphasized that the start of a new year often prompts reflection and decision-making for individuals already experiencing relationship strain.

Overall, the segment highlighted how Canadian divorce law has progressed alongside social change, offering families clearer legal pathways while reflecting shifting views on marriage, autonomy, and partnership.

Listen to the full AM 640 Radio 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.