Married/Common law status

[skapan]

Conversely, just because you live together (at the same address) does not mean you are common law. In the US maybe, definitely not in Canada. Imagine people renting different parts of the same house. How could they be called common law?

 

[nfq]

The government defines it as such: the definition of a common-law couple, whether opposite-sex or same-sex, is two people who have been living together in a conjugal relationship for at least one year.

Nothing about addresses or who's registered where. Bottom line: If you've lived together for more than a year and are in a relationship, you're common law.

 

[slowbird]

The government defines it as such: the definition of a common-law couple, whether opposite-sex or same-sex, is two people who have been living together in a conjugal relationship for at least one year.

Nothing about addresses or who's registered where. Bottom line: If you've lived together for more than a year and are in a relationship, you're common law.

So with that definition I can tell my insurance my GF and I are common-law and get the discount?

 

[slowbird]

Too bad that wouldn't matter one bit if there were actually separation agreements. Just because you don't change your address over doesn't mean that the courts won't consider you common law.

The sooner he gets his Will done the better

 

[nfq]

So with that definition I can tell my insurance my GF and I are common-law and get the discount?

Let me put it this way, if the two of you were to separate today (theoretically), she could come after you for alimony and assets after the first year of your relationship. It is up to the courts to determine how much they want to pursue the length of the relationship, etc. It can be messy.

having said that, you tell your insurance that she's your common-law partner, they'll write it up as such. I've never had an insurance company question me or ask for further proof. Even after marriage, they never asked.

 

[Qualdoth]

Conversely, just because you live together (at the same address) does not mean you are common law. In the US maybe, definitely not in Canada. Imagine people renting different parts of the same house. How could they be called common law?

Living in the same household is only part of the equation, being in a relationship is another. In your scenario, if the roommates aren't in a relationship they're not common-law.

 

[crankcall]

The sooner he gets his Will done the better

+1, do not die in Canada without a will, its a serious PITA for your familty
Do not die in Canada with a common law girlfriend and no will in Canada, thats worse.

less of a pain if he has zero money, but if there is a house and estate, oy vey.

 

[nfq]

+1, do not die in Canada without a will, its a serious PITA for your familty
Do not die in Canada with a common law girlfriend and no will in Canada, thats worse.

less of a pain if he has zero money, but if there is a house and estate, oy vey.

or other investment vehicles, rrsp's, pensions, support payments, etc.
It's really a mess.