Marriage often marks the beginning of shared plans, shared goals, and shared property. But merging assets is not always as simple as adding a name to an account or title.For newlyweds, understanding how property ownership and estate planning work together can help protect both spouses and reduce ...

In Ontario, common-law partners do not automatically inherit from each other if one partner dies without a will. However, there are several important estate planning steps common-law couples can take to protect each other legally and financially.What estate planning steps should common-law couple...

If your common-law partner died tomorrow without a will, would you inherit anything? Many people are surprised by the answer.
If you die without a will, your estate will be distributed in accordance with Ontario’s Succession Law Reform Act. Ontario’s Succession Reform Act outlines how an est...

Buying a home together is an exciting milestone for any common-law or married couple. For couples who are living together without being legally married, however, purchasing property together can create legal risks that many couples do not fully understand until the relationship ends or one partne...

You’ve built a life together — you share a home, finances, and maybe even a dog. But in the eyes of Ontario law, if you’re not married, you may have far fewer protections than you think.This post is the first in a series of articles that discuss where cohabitating couples may be at risk, an...