B.C. couples are bracing for changes to decades-old family laws that will treat long-term live-in partners like married couples – and some didn’t even see it coming.
“I had no idea,” said Jacob Deacon-Evans, who has lived with his girlfriend Korey Moran for almost seven years.
“I understood that our relationship was like a marriage in a lot of ways, but I wasn’t sure what the specifics were about what was going to be changing,” Moran said.
Among the changes, which take effect Monday, common-law relationships will be redefined.
Read: Guide to the new B.C. Family Law Act
Couples who have lived together for more than two years will now have to split debt and anything bought during the relationship 50/50, including property.
Lawyer Jamie Sarophim said it’s a massive change that may catch many off-guard.
“I think the idea that someone living together for two years or more might have to give up a significant chunk of their property is going to be a surprise to people,” she said.
Sarophim urged couples affected by the changes to do their research on the new laws to avoid an overly bureaucratic split-up.
“Although it seems unromantic to some couples, it’s important to know your rights,” she said. “Go online. There’s some great websites, government has got some websites out there to detail the new changes and what affects them. You can also do a consultation with a lawyer.”
Spousal support will also apply in the event of a breakup for those couples cohabitating for more than two years.
“Two years doesn’t seem like a very long time,” Moran said. “Especially when you live in a city where it’s expensive to live, you’re probably going to be sharing rent if you do want to see that person.”
Fortunately, an out exists for those concerned about the new laws’ repercussions.
Common-law partners can choose to opt-out of things like spousal support and property splitting if they’re uncertain of what the future holds for their relationship.
Other changes to B.C.’s family laws include new child custody guidelines and provisions around family violence.
Read an FAQ about the rest of the changes here.
With a report from CTV British Columbia’s Penny Daflos
