In Ontario, common-law status applies after 3 years of cohabitation or having a child together

Under Ontario law, couples achieve common-law status through two main paths. The first is living together continuously in a conjugal relationship for a minimum of three years. The second path applies to couples who have a child together and maintain a relationship of some permanence. This status grants certain legal rights and obligations similar to married couples, particularly regarding property division and support obligations.

• Three years of continuous cohabitation in a conjugal relationship
• OR having a child together while in a relationship of permanence
• Both partners must be living together as a couple
• The relationship must be conjugal (marriage-like) in nature