An Evolving Area of Law
The treatment of potential rights and obligations arising from common law relationships, more so than ever, are starting to closely resemble those arising from legal marriages. Entering or exiting a relationship, cohabiting couples, at one time immune from discussions surrounding property division and support, now find themselves facing consequences similar to legally married couples.
That being said, there are intricacies and nuances involved with this area of law that continue to evolve rapidly. Parties contemplating commencing a cohabitation, or ending one, are well-advised to seek legal counsel prior to doing so.
Property Division
The length of a relationship, children and the degree of economic integration can all be factors in determining whether the couple will be deemed to have essentially lived their lives as a domestic unit. If so, no different than legally married couples, their accumulation of wealth will likely be deemed divisible between them in some fashion.
Partner Support
In addition, subject to some of the same factors above, and more, there may be grounds for one of the parties to financially support the other upon the breakdown of the relationship.
Related Articles:
- Defending an Unjust Enrichment Claim in Alberta
- Challenging the Validity of Cohabitation and Pre-Nuptial Agreements
- More Articles
Calgary Law Relationship Lawyers: Serving Calgary
To learn more about common law relationships and about what rights you have from our Calgary lawyers, call the firm toll free at 877-563-5295 throughout Alberta or contact us online. In Calgary, call 403-233-9300.