Educational how-to
Marriage versus common-law in Ontario
This page is a public educational walkthrough. It is not a retainer, a court form, or a promise about your result.
Common-law is not a junior marriage
Property equalization under the Family Law Act is for married spouses.
Support and parenting can still apply
Unmarried partners may still have support or parenting claims.
Read the definition in the statute you are using
Each Act defines spouse differently.
Do not assume a shared lease equals marriage rights
Tenancy and family property are different systems.
Official law on this site: family-law.
Disclaimer: Know The Law publishes legal information for the public, not legal advice. Court forms, fees and filing channels change. Read the official statute text linked from each page before you act. We do not represent you and we do not file documents for you.