Everything You Need to Know About Common-Law Relationships

In Quebec, one out of every three couples lives together without being married. But many of these couples mistakenly think they enjoy the same protections as married couples. Here are articles explaining the ins and outs of common-law relationships, what happens when these couples separate and how they can protect themselves.

Common-Law Relationships and What Happens After Separation

What you should know about how the law treats common-law couples.

Common-Law Couples: Making a Life Together Without Being Married

Separation of Common-Law Couples

The Court Process for Common-Law Couples (We are currently updating this article)

Guide: Changing a Court Decision on Child Custody or Child Support (Common-Law Couples)

Divorce and Separation Procedure: Useful Resources

Children

Temporary Decisions About Child Custody and Child Support (We are currently updating this article)

Division of Property

Separation of Common-Law Couples: Debts and Expenses

Separation of Common-Law Couples: Furniture and Personal Belongings

Separation of Common-Law Couples: Who Stays in a Rented Family Home?

Separation of Common-Law Couples : Who Stays in the Family House?

How Common-Law Couples Can Protect Themselves

Legal documents these couples can use to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Written Agreements Between Common-Law Partners

Wills

Mandates in Anticipation of Incapacity

The Lola Case in the Courts

Find out about a court case that provoked a lot of discussion and strong reactions. These articles explain the issues at stake in the case: whether common-law couples can ask for financial support and a division of family property after a separation.

• The Lola Case in the Supreme Court of Canada: No Changes for Common-Law Couples in Quebec
• The 2010 Lola Decision: Support for Common-Law Partners Gets the Green Light?
• Understanding the “Lola” Judgment: No Support for Common-Law Couples