In Ontario, Canada, two people are considered common law partners if they have been continuously living together in a conjugal relationship for at least three years. If they have a child together by birth or adoption, then they only need to have been living together for one year.
Common law couples are not legally required to split property acquired when they lived together. Furniture, household items and other property belong to the person who bought them. Common law couples do not have the right to split an increase in value of the property they brought with them to the relationship.
Briefly, there's no difference for most situations - taxes, benefits, parenting, etc. - as long as you stay together and stay alive.
Separation Agreements for Common Law Couples. For common law couples—i.e., couples who have lived together but never married— there is no formal process that must be followed in order to separate, and no need for divorce. Common-law couples can dissolve their union at any time, with no required legal action.
In Ontario, common law spouses do not have the same property rights as married couples. Whatever is in your name, remains in your name. If the house is solely in your name, then you can remove your ex at anytime of your choosing. Tenancy laws are not applicable in shared accommodations.
For married couples, this splitting of Canada Pension credits is mandatory, unless the spouses have a separation agreement that provides otherwise. For common-law couples, the split is not mandatory, but either spouse can apply to have their credits split.
Living common-law means that you are living in a conjugal relationship with a person who is not your married spouse, and at least one of the following conditions applies: This person has been living with you in a conjugal relationship for at least 12 continuous months.
Anyone can draft their own separation agreement and as long as it includes certain information, is signed by both spouses and witnessed it is legally binding.
How To Write a Separation Agreement Name and address of both spouses. Details of the marriage. Beginning date of the separation. Statement of the intention to separate. Terms of use of the agreement. Specifications regarding the division of assets and the shared financial or child responsibilities of both parties.