When working with the many family
lawyers in Calgary, it is likely that you will be working on a divorce or split
case. This means that you are likely either trying to end a marriage, or
dispute that you were ever in a marriage. As we mentioned in a previous blog,
though, you don’t need to put a ring on the finger for a marriage to become a
marriage!
Many couples choose not to get
married today and instead live together in what Calgary family law known as “Common Law” relationships. The Adult Interdependent Relationships Actis a major player in helping
to see how a relationship is defined – you don’t need to have been married to
be seen as being in a marriage-like relationship. At the same time, though,
it’s rare but possible that you could be married and somehow escape
marriage-like issues.
Without clear definition within the
relationship, though, it’s very hard for the court to know 100% what was going
on. At this point, it’s important to know if you are married or simply in what
is known as an Adult Interdependent Partnership; if you either have children
together or you have been together in a relationship of interdependence for 3+
years, you are likely to be ruled for/against in a different manner.
Typically, the key factors that
determine interdependence would include:
· How
exclusive you are both to one another – is there anyone else involved?Is it
exclusive?
· Is
it fully conjugal?
· What
kind of living arrangements exist? How does one live with the other, if they
do?
· How
important is the other member of the relationship to the other person’ economic
stability?
· How
do they manage legal responsibilities with regards to one another?
· Do
they make any kind of contribution to the other person’ ability to live a
functional life?
· The
management and care of any children in the relationship.
· The
ownership or management property as a duo, not alone.
These major factors will play a
massive role in determining what kind of solution you are likely to get from
your life. If you are looking to understand what kind of relationship you are
likely to need to deal with, and then hire one of the many Divorce Lawyers in Vancouver and Calgary has.
They can take a closer look at your
current situation in respect to modern Calgary family law and make a decision
to press on with a particular kind of separation. While a frustrating
experience, it’s one that can easily be corrected if you are willing to work
with legal counsel. Make sure you work with a Family Law Lawyer in Calgary,
though; they are best-placed to fully “get” your situation.
