Toronto Sun: Grey Divorce on the Rise - Featuring Christopher Yu, Shulman & Partners

Christopher Yu, Partner at Shulman & Partners LLP, was recently featured in a Toronto Sun article — also published in the Ottawa Sun and Yahoo News — addressing the growing trend of grey divorce, or separation later in life. With Canadians over 50 increasingly choosing to end marriages, the impact on retirement plans, accumulated assets, and lifestyle choices is a critical issue for many families. In the piece, Christopher shares practical strategies for navigating this transition, emphasizing goal-setting, financial clarity, and long-term vision. His insights highlight both the challenges and the opportunities that come with reimagining life after divorce, underscoring our firm’s role as a trusted voice in guiding Canadians through complex family law matters.

“The decision to end a marriage in your 50s can be daunting, but there’s a lot of positives when it comes to starting your life over, on your own terms, at a time when you’re empowered to do so.”
— Christopher Yu, Partner, Shulman & Partners LLP

The article explores the unique challenges and opportunities associated with grey divorce — the growing trend of marital breakdowns among Canadians over 50. While the impact on retirement can be significant, it doesn’t have to derail future plans. Instead, with thoughtful planning, it can become an opportunity to reimagine life goals and personal fulfillment.

Christopher emphasizes the importance of setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to guide decision-making during this transition. By working backwards from a desired outcome, individuals can create a practical roadmap for financial and personal stability. Christopher highlights that even the simple act of discussing goals with trusted friends or family members can bring clarity during an overwhelming time.

He also underscores the practical realities of later-life separation. Grey divorce often involves complex considerations such as dividing retirement funds, navigating tax implications, and deciding whether to downsize or relocate. To minimize stress and expenses, Christopher advises couples to keep the process as amicable and transparent as possible — a strategy that helps contain legal fees and fosters smoother transitions.

Beyond the financial and logistical aspects, Christopher notes the shifting social context around divorce. With Canadians living longer and cultural stigma diminishing, more people are choosing to prioritize happiness and independence in later life. For many, divorce is not an ending but rather the start of a new chapter. Christopher’s perspective reframes the decision as an empowering step toward building a life on one’s own terms, supported by careful planning and professional guidance.

The article ultimately positions grey divorce not as a disruption of retirement dreams, but as a chance to rethink and realign them. With the right mindset and support, couples can emerge from the process ready to embrace a fulfilling next phase of life.

Read the full Toronto Sun article here (subscription may be required).

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.