Common Law Relationship

[Elise]

The law in Ontario was changed on March 31, 2010 as it pertains to common law relationship; a couple is now required to live together for a period of 3 years before being considered "common law". Previous to that date, a couple were required to reside together for one year to be considered "common law".

I dated my ex for 11 years, but we lived together for 2.5 years (June 2006 to Dec 2008).

Question: Since the law changed after we were separated, do I fall under the old law or the new law?

[Mess]

?? I read the updates to the Family Law Act a few weeks ago and didn't see any reference to this. Also, every reference I have looked at has always said in Ontario it is 3 years to be common law, unless there is a child.

If you have access to the changes to the act, it will always specificly say if a change is retroactive or not.

[Elise]

Thank you. I will look further into this.