Common Law Relationships

A common law relationship is where two people, who are not married, live together in a 'marriage-like' relationship.

Rights and obligations of common law spouses are the subject of much litigation, as in New Brunswick, the Marital Property Act does not apply to “common law couples” upon division of property and debts.

Whether or not your relationship is considered a “common law relationship” will depend on your situation.

I can guide you through some of the important issues such as:

• How to protect assets while living in a common law relationship;
• How long do couples need to reside together to be considered “common law”?
• What are the rights and obligations with respect to support?
• What are the rights and obligations with respect to division of assets and debts?
• What are the rights to a division of pension benefits?
• Is there a deadline to file a claim, and what happens if the claim is not made within the allotted time?