Property division for married couples in Alberta is governed by provincial legislation called the Matrimonial Property Act. This legislation does not apply to unmarried couples, which are often referred to as common law couples or adult interdependent partners.
The Alberta Law Reform Institute (“ALRI”) is an independent organization that provides recommendations for law reform to the Alberta Government. ALRI is currently undertaking a review of how the law applies to the property of unmarried couples upon separation and is considering recommendations for law reform in this area.
ALRI published a Report for Discussion on September 30, 2017 and is inviting feedback to this report, to be provided by November 20, 2017. ALRI is also seeking input from the public via a survey available on the ALRI website.
This area of family law affects many Albertans and we hope you will consider providing your input on this issue to ALRI.