Posts Tagged ‘common-law’
What should a woman think about when entering a second relationship so she protects her privacy, money and property?
Few people, even when they are entering a second (or third, or fourth) relationship consider that this one, like the previous one(s), might end. Love is in the air, and it is hard for most people to imagine that it would ever leave or that one person might treat the other badly. This seems to…
Read moreInfographic: Property Division
Text below Marriage The law assumes that each spouse makes equal if different contributions. If the relationship ends, they share the family property equally. Equalization payment Person with greater new family property (NFP) must pay the other spouse half of the difference. Common Law If the relationship ends, no automatic right to equal share of…
Read moreWebinar: Relationships, rights & responsibilities
A woman living with her common law partner for many years may think she has equal right to their property, but that might not be the case. There are significant differences in legal rights and responsibilities depending on whether people are married or living common-law. This webinar explores different kinds of intimate relationships, with a…
Read moreMoving in or getting married? Why a domestic contract matters
Property division after separation depends on whether the couple was married or living common-law. A domestic contract lets a couple set their own terms in their relationship. A domestic contract is a legal agreement. Domestic contracts include cohabitation agreements, marriage contracts and separation agreements. “Pre-nups” are domestic contracts A cohabitation agreement is an agreement between…
Read moreWhat are my rights when it comes to property division?
This is the first in a 3-part series on women’s financial rights and responsibilities when a relationship ends. Part 2 looks at determining the date of separation and Part 3 discusses spousal support. Historically, men have tended to manage the family’s money and make the big financial decisions about things like buying a house or…
Read moreMy partner and I are common law. Do I have the same rights as a married person?
Many women in common-law relationships believe they have exactly the same legal rights as women who are married. While there are many commonalities, there are some important differences, especially with respect to the way in which property is divided if the relationship ends. Living common law as opposed to being married has no impact on…
Read moreIf I leave my partner, how will our property be divided?
Property division for people who are married Marriage is considered to be a partnership, with each spouse making equal, if different, contributions and sharing equally in the family’s property if the partnership ends. This includes property acquired during the years of the marriage that has been paid for by only one spouse or is registered…
Read moreWhat are the time limitations on applying for spousal support or a division of family property?
UPDATED (from April 2015): Women who leave abusive relationships are often reluctant to pursue their financial rights. There are many reasons for this. Some women don’t know they may have a right to share in the family property or to receive support from their spouse. Others feel overwhelmed with the separation process, and sorting out…
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