Family law in Nova Scotia applies a distinct difference between common law relationships and marriage. While some provinces may allow common law, or cohabitation, to take on the rights and responsibilities of marriage after a certain period of time, this is not the case in Nova Scotia.

What constitutes common law?

A common law relationship is simply the act of living together in a marriage-like relationship without actually being legally married. It does not require any kind of legal process to create a common law union. The definition of common law partnership also differs depending on the laws applied. For example, the Canada Pension Plan states that two people are in a common law relationship after a year of cohabitation. The Parenting and Support Act, on the other hand, requires two years of cohabitation before a relationship can be described as common law.