Common Law Spouses

In Ontario Canada there a substantial difference to the rights of a common law spouse as opposed to legally married spouse. While those who entered a legal union have property rights under both the Family Law Act and Succession Law Reform Act, common law spouses are limited to seeking financial support upon the demise of their spouse. In the context of estate litigation litigation often arises in the context of whether a party is a common law spouse and the quantum of support.

common law unfair inheritance

The Law Discriminates Against Common Law Spouses

Heather and Chaim never believed in marriage. They lived together for 20 years, had 3 children and were happy. Chaim was hit by a truck and died. He had no Will. Had Heather been legally married she could have: 1. had the right to elect for an equalization payment under the Family Law Act; or 2. received an inheritance by virtue of an intestacy under the Succession Law Reform Act. Since there was no Will, Heather would have inherited a preferential share of the estate equal to $350,000 and 1/3 of the balance to share with the Chaim’s three children.
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dividing estate when intestate

Who is in charge here?

McQuoid v. Patterson is a very interesting case that raises a number of different issues.  The late Arthur Marvin Patterson Junior (“Arthur”) died intestate. Had he made a Will, Arthur could have chosen an estate trustee whose responsibility it would be to gather in his assets, pay his liabilities, and distribute Arthur’s assets as provided for on his Will.
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Do mistresses have a right to inheritance?

Can you imagine burying a spouse and then being sued for support by a mistress? For those who believe in primacy on marriage and that marriage obligates its partners to fidelity, the idea of rewarding a mistress to a portion of the family's inheritance is unjust. Others argue that financial obligations should flow from the intensity and duration of life partner relationships regardless of the partners' marital status. What do the courts think?
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