Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Relationship
A formal declaration confirming a common-law relationship, accepted by government bodies, insurers, and financial institutions.
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A statutory declaration of common-law relationship is a sworn document in which one or both partners formally declare that they are in a conjugal relationship and have cohabited continuously for the required period — typically 12 months for most government and legal purposes, or three years for some provincial spousal support claims.
When you need this document
This declaration is routinely required when adding a common-law partner to a workplace benefits plan or pension; when applying for spousal sponsorship under Canada's immigration rules; when filing taxes as common-law partners; when updating beneficiary designations; and when claiming spousal rights in estate proceedings where no will exists.
Legal significance
A statutory declaration carries the same legal weight as sworn testimony in court. Making a false declaration is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. Both partners should sign where possible, though single-party declarations are accepted in many contexts.