A common law relationship is where two people, who are not married, live together in a 'marriage-like' relationship. This means that they not only share a home, but they refer to themselves in public as spouses or partners, and share things like bills and other finances.
Whether or not you are considered to be in a common law relationship will depend on the facts of your situation and whether the law you are trying to use gives a definition. Every law has its own definition for what qualifies as a common law relationship.
For example, the Canada Pension Plan says that to be a ‘common law partner’ you had to have been living with your partner for one year, while the Parenting and Support Act says you are a ‘spouse’ after you have lived together in a conjugal relationship for two years, or have lived together and have a child together. A conjugal relationship is a ‘marriage-like’ relationship.
'Spouse'; child support and spousal support; paternity testing info sheet
se the menu on the left or click any of the links below for more information:
Common law relationships & Registered Domestic Partnerships
Property, pensions & debts for common law couples
If you are separating from your partner, or are involved with, or going to be involved with, the court, it is always a good idea to speak with a lawyer. Click here for information about legal support and advice options in Nova Scotia, including no- and low-cost services.