In Quebec, where over a million people are unmarried but cohabiting, such couples are recognized as "de facto spouses," but the law put them under no obligation to each other if they break up. However, a "palimony" case involving an unnamed billionaire and his de facto spouse of ten years could end that. The couple split in 2002, and her case for support was appealed until she won in 2010. That decision set a precedent for every de facto couple in Quebec.
The Quebec government has appealed the decision of the Supreme Court, which will rule on the matter in July. Link -via Fark
(Image credit: Vectorportal via Flickr)
The sums of money involved make Eric and Lola’s case somewhat absurd to the average Canadian. But it could shape the lives of the 1.2 million Quebecois in de facto couples, making them as good as married, even though neither of them exchanged rings or asked the other person’s permission to spend their lives together.
The Quebec government has appealed the decision of the Supreme Court, which will rule on the matter in July. Link -via Fark
(Image credit: Vectorportal via Flickr)
The difference is that Quebec has a different legal code, so it has to catch up sometimes.
Funny to see the parallels between this and the objections to gay marriage - what next? It's the end of the world!
I don't think you have to file income taxes as a couple to be considered a couple in the eyes of the law.
For example, two roommates live together in college, but are not "cohabitating". When they go their separate ways, one does not have a claim against the other for supoprt unless he/she can prove that they were "cohabitating". Income tax forms help, but it's not the end of the world if you still filed as single.
And any claim for support or division of assets is viewed in the light of what property each person brought into the relationship, and their earning ability outside of the relationship. Less support is given to the ex-spouse these days, since women can get jobs and don't need to be paid for, but custodial parents still receive support for the children of the relationship.
"Quebec is the only province in Canada where spousal support payments are not recognized by law for de facto spouse" This is just fact in the rest of Canada. It's good for some situations, but sucks for the partner of a lying, cheating, thieving son of a gun.