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Common Law Separation

Home / Common Law Separation

Common Law Separation Lawyers for Western Canada

Common Law Separation Lawyers in Western Alberta

Living with another person while in a relationship may give rise to legal rights and obligations, which must be dealt with upon the breakdown of the relationship. These legal issues are often similar to those experienced by married couples, but with important differences.

For example, under some federal legislation, legal rights and obligations may arise between two people who have lived together in a spousal type relationship for more than one year. In Alberta, the Family Law Act requires unmarried couples to have lived together in a relationship of interdependency for a period of three years before a spousal support obligation may arise.

If the couple have children together, however, the couple must have lived together in a relationship “of some permanence”, before a separated spouse could claim spousal support from the other spouse.

Contact Our Family Lawyers for Help with a Common Law Separation

Due to the emotionally charged nature of a common law cases, it is important to have an objective advocate assist you. The divorce lawyers at Spectrum Family Law can provide you with practical solutions so that you can get through this difficult time in a cost-effective manner.

Although it is always preferable to negotiate a resolution of the issues arising out of a separation, our lawyers are prepared to go to court when necessary to ensure your rights are respected.

Please contact us now to schedule a consultation with one of our lawyers. We look forward to meeting with you.

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Conan Taylor

Conan Taylor

MANAGING PARTNER

Conan Taylor is the Managing Partner of Spectrum Family Law, guiding the firm’s growth across Alberta and BC. With 29 years of legal experience, Conan has shifted from active practice to focus on building exceptional teams dedicated exclusively to family law. A former Canadian Armed Forces pilot and Queen’s University law graduate, he brings strategic vision and leadership to ensure accessible, specialized family law services for all. When not expanding the firm’s reach, Conan enjoys his family farm south of Edmonton.

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  • Spectrum strives for high-quality, legally verified content.
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Recent Posts

  • Alberta Court Approves Child Relocation Despite Father’s OppositionMay 6, 2025
  • Interim Spousal Support Can Be Ordered Despite Waiver Dispute: Stoney v EastonMay 6, 2025
  • Alberta Judicial Dispute Resolution: Streamlining Legal DisputesMarch 14, 2025

A methodology of alternative dispute resolution

You control the outcome that works best for you – rather than a judge who hears your case.

We are expert family law litigators, however we do so with an understanding of the emotional stress that litigation can sometimes have on our client and the existing family unit.

Our team will advise you on the benefits of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration. These alternative methods empower the parties to negotiate an outcome that accounts for their respective interests in a non-adversarial setting – minimizing disruption to your family.

Cost-effective, timely relief. Get Help Here
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  • Areas of Family Law
    • Divorce
      • Divorce Mediation
      • Collaborative Law
      • Uncontested Divorce
      • Joint Divorce
    • Child Custody
    • Child Support
    • Surrogacy & Fertility Law
    • Spousal Support
    • Maintenance Enforcement Program
    • Marital Property Division
    • Common Law Separation
    • Marriage Agreements
      • Cohabitation Agreements
      • Prenuptial Agreement
      • Separation Agreements
    • Real Estate for Families
    • Coaching & Self-Representation
  • Locations & Team
    • Meet Your Team
    • Locations
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Awards & Recognition
  • Knowledge Centre
    • Alberta Family Law
    • BC Family Law
    • Divorce Deep Dive
    • Child Support
    • Separation Info
    • Mediation Tips
    • Vancouver Articles
    • Calgary Articles
    • Edmonton Articles