In Ontario, couples must cohabitate for 3 years or have a child together to be considered common-law partners.

To establish a common-law relationship in Ontario, couples must meet specific legal requirements. The relationship must be conjugal, meaning partners live together in a marriage-like relationship, sharing financial, social, and familial aspects of their lives. There are two main paths to qualifying:

  • Cohabitate continuously for at least 3 years in a conjugal relationship
  • Have a child together while living in a relationship of some permanence (no minimum time requirement)

Partners should maintain documentation like shared bills, lease agreements, or joint bank accounts to help prove their common-law status. This status can affect various legal rights including taxation, estate planning, and property division.