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At What Point Are People Who Live Together Considered By Law To Be Spouses?

People of opposite sexes who live together, not married to each other, may be considered spouses:

  • under the Family Law Act, if they have been living together for five years ­ less if they have a child together;
  • under the Income Tax Act, if they have been living together for one year;
  • various employee benefit plans will determine the criteria for applicability of health, dental and insurance plans to common­law spouses.
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