Best Child Custody Lawyers in Waterdown, ON

Living together, common-law relationships and cohabitation agreements. As a parent of three children in their 20s, I know that it’s not unusual for people in their demographic to move in or buy property with their partners. Having had many discussions on this topic with my daughters and their friends, I can safely say there is a lot of misinformation around what it means to be a common-law couple. In this column, I will clarify some common misconceptions and explain how the law applies to common-law relationships and how a cohabitation agreement can help provide some protection and stability to what may be a temporary arrangement or the start of a lifetime together. Are you in a common-law relationship? Younger couples often wonder at what point they are considered to be living in a common-law relationship. Like everything in law, the answer depends on the context. For example, in the context of employment benefits, you are regarded as a common-law couple if you have lived together for one year. Similarly, for Ontario and federal government purposes relating to tax credits, benefits and income tax, you are typically considered common-law if you have lived together for one year — or, if you have lived together for less time but have a child, or adopted a child, together. For family law purposes, partners are recognized as common law if they have lived together for three years or have a child, or adopted a child, together.