cohabitation

It’s been one year since the new Family Property Act became effective in Alberta – so what?

On January 1, 2020, Alberta overhauled the law dealing with dividing property on separation for adult interdependent partners, or common-law couples. While some things are still being sorted out, unmarried couples in separation are now subject to a legislated scheme dividing their property that is very similar to that governing married couples. Couples are still […]

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I am about to move in with someone and we want to enter into a Cohabitation Agreement in case things don’t work out. Can we do that before we move in together?

The answer is“yes”, as long as you do it before December 31,2019. Under new legislation, the Family Property Act which takes effect January 1, 2020, you will have to be married to each other or partners as defined under the Adult Interdependent Relationships Act. Under that Act, you either have to have lived with the […]

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What is the difference between polyamory and polygamy?

As perceptions of the traditional family change and our definition of family broadens, new legal considerations arise, as these social changes often happen more quickly than legislative changes. The term polyamory, for example, generally describes a relationship structure where people engage in multiple relationships with multiple people at the same time, with full knowledge and […]

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My partner and I are not married and each of us had assets before we moved in together. How do I protect them?

With a new year dawning, thoughts often turn to organization. One of the things that should be on your to do list is entering into a Cohabitation Agreement. The law in Alberta right now treats married and unmarried couples differently. This document allows you and your partner to set out your understanding about what should […]

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