How long do we need to live together to be considered common law spouses?
It depends on whether the issue is federal or provincial, and in what province you live. Federal issues include items such as federal government pensions and division of the Canada Pension Plan upon separation. Property division is determined by provincial law and each province has its own definition of what a common law spouse is. For Ontario family law purposes, you must cohabit 3 years, or have a child and a relationship of some permanence. In British Columbia family law, you must cohabit 2 years in a marriage-like relationship. Under New Brunswick family law, you must live together continuously in a family relationship for 3 years and one person must be substantially dependant on the other for support, or, where the couple lives together for one year and has a child together. In Nova Scotia, you must live together for two years. Under Federal law, you can request a division of CPP benefits if you have lived together for 12 consecutive months. As well, if you have lived together for
