NewsTalk 1010: Signs of a Predatory Relationship - Featuring Laura Paris, Shulman & Partners

As Canada’s population ages, family law issues are increasingly intersecting with later-life relationships. In an appearance on NewsTalk 1010, Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP, joined a national conversation about the rise of so-called “grey divorces” and the legal risks seniors may face when entering new relationships later in life. Prompted by census data showing a growing number of Canadians over 65 and rising divorce rates among this group, the discussion explored how cohabitation, rather than remarriage, has become more common for seniors. While these relationships often reflect companionship and independence, they can also raise complex legal questions about property exposure, spousal support, and estate planning. Laura provided clear legal context to help families better understand how Ontario family law applies to common-law relationships involving older adults.

“People think that just because a will may be drafted in a certain way that leaves certain assets to children only, that they’re protected, but that’s not necessarily the case when you’re in a common-law relationship.”
— Laura Paris, Associate Lawyer at Shulman & Partners LLP

During the interview, Laura explained that divorce among seniors is becoming more common as people live longer and form new relationships later in life. Many seniors choose to live with a new partner rather than remarry, often assuming this will protect their assets. However, as Laura emphasized, that assumption can be misleading under Ontario family law.

One of the most common misconceptions she sees is the belief that avoiding marriage eliminates legal exposure. In reality, Ontario recognizes common-law relationships for certain legal purposes, particularly spousal support. A person may qualify as a common-law spouse after three years of cohabitation, or sooner if the couple has a child together. Once that threshold is met, a surviving or separating partner may have a claim against the other’s estate or income, even if the parties never married.

Laura also addressed concerns raised by adult children, who are increasingly encouraging their parents to seek legal advice before moving in with a new partner. These concerns often include the possibility of a parent being financially exploited, pressure to change an existing will, or the depletion of retirement savings intended to last for the remainder of a parent’s life. While she noted that many later-life relationships are healthy and genuine, she cautioned that financial vulnerability can increase with age, particularly if a new partner begins exerting control over finances or decision-making.

Another key issue discussed was inheritance. Even where a will leaves assets to children, a surviving common-law partner may still bring a spousal support claim against the estate. Any support paid would come from estate assets, potentially reducing what children ultimately receive. This can come as a surprise to families who believed a will alone was sufficient protection.

Laura emphasized that while adult children may raise concerns, the legal client is the parent, not the children. Lawyers must focus on the parent’s wishes and interests. In many cases, she recommends open discussions, clear boundaries, and proper legal planning, including cohabitation agreements, to ensure predictability and stability for everyone involved.

Her core advice to seniors considering cohabitation was straightforward: seek legal advice early, communicate openly with a partner about financial expectations, and formalize those expectations in writing to avoid uncertainty if the relationship ends or one partner passes away.

Listen to the full NewsTalk 1010 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.