COHABITATION AGREEMENT LAWYER PICKERING
Many couples in Canada choose to live together without getting married. Approximately 17% of couples living together are cohabitating in a common-law relationship.
However, this number does not accurately reflect the real rate of couple cohabitating together, which in fact is much higher.This is because many couples just choose to live together without reporting that they’re in a common-law relationship. Other relationships are so short-lived that the parties do not meet the definition of common-law under the Income Tax Act, or the Ontario Family Law Act.
The Canada Revenue Agency considers you to be in a common-law relationship when you have cohabited for 12 months, however, common-law relationships for family law purposes are defined differently all-around Canada.
In Ontario, for spousal support purposes¸ it means two persons who are not married to each other and have cohabited,
- (a) continuously for a period of not less than three years, or
- (b) in a relationship of some permanence, if they are the parents of a child as set out in section 4 of the Children’s Law Reform Act.
Regardless of the situation, it is important to protect yourself, especially when you choose to own property with your partner or are bringing in valuable property into the relationship.
A cohabitation agreement typically lays out terms for division of assets and spousal support when a common-law relationship comes to an end. This is similar to a marriage contract in that it outlines each spouse’s rights and responsibilities. Such written agreementbecomes enforceable if unfortunately,the relationship ends.
Should you get married to your partner, your cohabitation agreement automatically becomes a marriage contract without any further action required.
Many people have misconceptions about cohabiting, thinking their assets and finances are protected because they did not get married. This could not be further from the truth.
Firstly, marriage is not a prerequisite for entitlement to spousal support. Secondly, when it comes to property division, there are Trust Laws that can be applied so that property is divided as though the parties were married.
The only way to achieve some level of certainty is to enter into a property negotiated and drafted cohabitation agreement.
At AP Lawyers, we follow our standard 6-step process of:
- 1. Consultation
- 2. Communication
- 3. Disclosure
- 4. Negotiation
- 5. Drafting
- 6. Execution
We have helped people from all works of life to draft cohabitation agreements that they are happy with. Some own significant assets, while others want to protect assets they will acquire in the future. The one thing they all have in common is that they want to define the terms should the relationship fail, rather than leaving things to chance and uncertainty.
Thank you AP for helping me through this phase of my life. I really can’t tell you how appreciative I am and glad that I chose you to. Very professional and knowledgeable in what you do!
- Lawrish
AP Lawyers made an uncomfortable situation very comfortable for our family. Thank you to all the staff @ AP Lawyers. You all made us feel at ease. We will recommend this law firm to anyone who needs this service.
– Hellen Verbancic
Very pleased with the services I received for my family . They were all very quick and very responsive to any question me and my family have had while working on their case. I would recommend them all with open heart because every employee have shown such care in the matter and helped us a lot. Thank you AP Lawyers and Danyal for making the dream having my family closer come true !!
- Elena Novakovic
Talk about professionalism, productive and being on time, for Family Law & Immigration Matters. AP Lawyers Pickering is the right firm to contact. Thanks to everyone at AP Lawyers for their great support and help in all matters dealt with. My experience at AP Lawyers has been a great one so far!
– Doneeta Persuad
I cannot say enough good things about the people at AP Lawyers.They are professional, knowledgeable, thorough and empathetic. They will follow up with you and make sure you are on the right track.I will recommend them every time.
- Ogechi Uwasomba
"Professional and courteous staff, nice office location with ample parking, reasonable fees and above all I had very satisfactory experience of their legal consultation"
- Arif M. Khatri
AP Lawyers were a pleasure to deal with from the get go. Sharaya was my first point of contact and she was very welcoming and helpful with all my queries. I had a phone consolation with Angela, she was very professional, honest and knowledgeable. I went to the office and met with Shireen Abdi and I would defiantly recommend her again and again, she is kind, knowledgeable, genuine and sharp at what she does. Thank you!
- R I
Angela was kind and understanding and gave me the right advice I needed for my current situation. Truly provided a wonderful experience and excellent advice. Thank you thank you.
- Mandee Sinn
I highly recommend AP lawyers. Excellent service. My consultation was with Anisa and it helped me a lot for my current situation.
- MilinduPerera
Ms. Pricewill is kind, extremely knowable, patient and she genuinely wants to help. She takes the time necessary to adequately guide you through your legal maze. Also she gives you realistic cost and outcome expectations and does not try to sell you on her services instead she focuses on what's best for you and your unique situation. Thanks for your help!
- Jon-Taine H.
I want to thank Angela Princewill for the way she is handling my case. She is very passionate about my rights. My case is very complicated involving divorce, custody, access, child support and property division. I am confident she will get me the best results in every area.
- Anon
