From handling separation agreements to guiding you through the divorce process, we provide tailored legal strategies to protect your interests. Book a free consultation today to discuss your options and next steps.

Who Counts as a Spouse?

If you're legally married, you're a spouse—simple. But in Ontario and BC, common-law partners can also be considered spouses under family law.

• In Ontario, you’re a common-law spouse if you’ve lived together in a conjugal relationship for at least three years or have a child together in a long-term relationship.
• In BC, it’s only two years of living in a marriage-like relationship or having a child together—giving common-law spouses more legal rights than in Ontario, especially when it comes to property division.

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Separation vs. Divorce—What’s the Difference?

• Separation is just the decision to end a relationship—no paperwork needed. If you and your partner decide it’s over, you’re legally separated.
• Divorce is only for married couples and requires a court order. You usually need to live separate and apart for a year before filing, though adultery or cruelty can speed things up (but most lawyers don’t recommend going that route).

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What You Need to Know About Divorce

• There’s no such thing as a “legal separation” document—separation is based on intent, not paperwork.
• To get divorced, one spouse must have lived in the province for at least a year before filing.
• If both spouses agree on everything, an uncontested divorce is the easiest and cheapest option—often handled without court appearances.
• Divorce doesn’t happen automatically—you have to apply for it, even if you’ve been separated for years.

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