大家拿联邦法

A 12-month period of continuous cohabitation is a key requirement for common-law status at the federal level in Canada。 

 

Federal law (12-month rule)

For federal government purposes, you are considered to be in a common-law relationship if you meet one of the following criteria: 

• You have lived together in a conjugal (marriage-like) relationship for at least 12 continuous months.
• You are the biological or adoptive parents of a child. 

 

Provincial and territorial law (varying rules)

In most other legal contexts, such as those related to family law, property division, and spousal support, the definition of a common-law relationship is determined by each province. In many cases, these rules require a longer cohabitation period than the federal 12-month rule. 

 

Provincial examples for family law

• British Columbia
  : Two years of living together in a marriage-like relationship.
• Alberta
  : Three years of cohabitation in a relationship of interdependence, or a shorter time if you have a child together or have a signed Adult Interdependent Partner agreement.
• Ontario
  : Three continuous years of cohabitation, or one year if you have a child together.
• Manitoba
  : At least three years of living together, or one year if you have a child. Couples can also register their relationship sooner. 

 

Proving common-law status

To demonstrate your common-law status for official purposes, it is important to provide documentary evidence of your cohabitation and shared life. Examples of supporting documentation include: 

• Joint bank account statements
• Shared residential leases or mortgages
• Utility bills with both names
• Shared insurance policies
• A statutory declaration of your common-law union