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Sep 24, 2025
Under BC's Family Law Act, unmarried couples who live together in a marriage-like relationship are considered common-law after two years. A "marriage-like relationship" is when two people live together as if they were married, having a committed relationship like a marriage.
When an unmarried couple separates, each spouse has the same legal rights and responsibilities as married couples, including property division and support. See "What are the key legal issues for separation and divorce?"
You do not need to file papers to be ‘separated.’ Simply living apart with the intention to end the relationship is enough. See Family Law in BC for more information on Going Through Separation.
Is you have questions about separating, Ask JES.
