In recent years, it has become more and more popular for partners to remain unmarried and, instead, pursue a common-law relationship. According to data released in 2019 by Statistics Canada, more than one-fifth of all couples – 21.3 percent – were living common law in 2016. And while a common-law couple might share many of the same rights as their married counterparts, they will likely face a wholly different set of property division challenges.
The importance of a cohabitation agreement
What are the benefits of mediation?
Popular media likes to portray divorce as a contentious struggle between two parties who have grown to the point of every discussion spiraling into a heated, emotional dispute. Fortunately, many couples decide to part amicably and search for alternative methods for separation and divorce such as arbitration, collaboration and mediation.
The division of property in a common-law separation
There are numerous reasons why a couple might choose to avoid marriage and pursue a common-law relationship. Unfortunately, when that relationship ends, these individuals might face some of the same difficulties in property and debt division that married couples do.
5 steps to property division
In general, an efficient divorce proceeding finds its foundation in effective negotiation. While it is true that many couples face an argumentative proceeding, a great many couples have simply grown apart and seek to start a new life. Approaching potential disputes such as those centering on property and debt division from this perspective can be helpful.
Prenups proving to be popular with millennials
Prenups, known as marriage contracts in Canada, are documents that married couples can draft to decide how best to divide any shared assets in the event they separate. A recent study conducted in the United States indicate that there has been an increase of young couples drafting prenuptial agreements with their lawyers before getting married.
According to a news report by GlobalNews.ca, the same trend can be seen in Canada amongst millennials. While it may seem odd to discuss breaking up with your partner right before you begin building a life together, this conversation can help protect you in the long run. A marriage contract allows you and your partner to come up with your own solutions on how you wish to divide property, finances, and create spousal support arrangements.
What you need to know about common-law relationships
The legal rights of common-law couples are dealt with differently across the country. Some provinces, like British Columbia, offer more modern approaches to ending common-law relationships, providing similar protections to those of married couples.
Other provinces, such as Ontario, rely on other means of fighting for the rights of common-law couples, such as fighting for unjust enrichment when it comes to the division of property.
Two Important Rental Tips for Landlords
Becoming a landlord has many benefits, such as an additional source of income. But it’s important to remember that being a landlord and renting out a residence is still a business, and some basic business fundamentals are necessary for success.
A rental agreement comes with duties and responsibilities for which you and your tenant will be liable. As outlined on the Sun Life Financial website, there are a couple of key business management tips to help you manage these duties and responsibilities. Two noteworthy highlights are:
Evicting a difficult tenant
Whether you have a single property for rent or you own several multi-family dwellings, you have one thing in common with other landlords: tenants. Tenants are the lifeblood of your business, and you appreciate the ones who make your job easy. Unfortunately, you may have some bad experiences with tenants who expect too much of you.
You could ultimately reach a breaking point with a particularly obnoxious or frustrating tenant. The thought of dealing with this renter month after month throughout the term of the lease may be more than you can stand. Nevertheless, you must be careful to abide by Ontario law if you decide to evict your troublesome tenant.
Will you get a fair share if your common-law relationship ends?
If you are in a common-law relationship that is close to breaking down, you might have concerns about the potential division of property and debts. Many Ontario couples choose not to marry, thinking it would be easier to end a common-law relationship than to go through a divorce. However, it could be more challenging because cohabiting spouses have less protection than those who chose a legal marriage.
You will likely have many questions about the financial and legal impact of separation from a common-law partner. The laws treat child-related issues similarly for married and unmarried parents because the best interests of the child form the basis. However, spousal support eligibility will depend on various aspects of your unique situation.
Selling the family home in a divorce can be a daunting task
If you are in the throes of divorce, you likely know how challenging it is to decouple emotions from the critical financial decisions that you have to make at this time. The fact that many of the judgments and choices you make will have a significant impact on your future financial stability can add a substantial amount of stress into the equation. When it comes to property division, deciding what to do with the matrimonial home is oftentimes one of the most crucial decisions you will face.
In the aftermath of a divorce, there's a strong chance that each spouse may end up owning or renting a new home on his or her own. Since each party will now be operating on just one income, this could create some financial challenges. This is one reason that many couples consider putting the family home on the market because the proceeds could allow them a much more comfortable transition.