As a general rule, a common-law relationship or common-law union exists when two persons of same or opposite sex live together as a couple for a certain period of time, while depending on each other financially and emotionally.
Different kinds of laws in Canada recognize common-law relationships in different ways. Most laws define couples according to how long they have lived together. You may be considered to be in a common-law relationship if:
- In British Columbia, you and your partner have been living together in a marriage-like relationship for a period of at least 2 years;
- In Alberta, you and your partner have been living in a relationship of interdependence for a continuous period of at least 3 years, or If you share custody of a child and live together with some permanence;**
- In Saskatchewan, you and your partner have been living together continuously for a period of at least 2 years;
- In Manitoba, you and your partner have been living together for a period of 3 years or 1 year If you have a child together;
- In Ontario, you and your partner have been living together for a period of at least 3 years, or you share custody of a child and live together with some permanence;
- In New Brunswick, you and your partner have been continuously living together in a family relationship for a period of 3 years and one person must be substantially dependant on the other for support, or you have been living together for 1 year and have a child together;
- In Nova Scotia, you and your partner have been living together for a period of 2 years;
- In Prince Edward Island, you and your partner have been living together for a period of at least 2 years, or you are the biological or adoptive parents of a child and live together with some permanence;
- In Newfoundland and Labrador, you have been living together for 1 year and have a child together;
** Please note that Alberta does not have common-law relationship. Instead, they have created a type of relationship known as adult interdependent relationship, where adult interdependent partners live together in a relationship of interdependence.