Legal separation while living together is possible in Canada if spouses maintain separate lives under the same roof

In Canada, couples can be considered legally separated while sharing the same residence, provided they demonstrate a clear breakdown of their marriage or partnership. This arrangement, known as separation within the same household, requires couples to establish distinct and separate living arrangements despite sharing the same address.

To maintain a valid separation while cohabiting, couples must:

• Sleep in separate bedrooms
• Maintain separate daily routines and schedules
• Handle finances independently
• Prepare and eat meals separately
• Divide household responsibilities clearly
• Communicate their separation status to family and friends

This arrangement is often chosen for practical reasons such as financial constraints, co-parenting responsibilities, or property considerations while proceeding with formal separation or divorce proceedings.