This site of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) is provided by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta. The law with regard to common law relationships in Alberta was changed in June 2003 with the introduction of the concept of ‘adult interdependent relationships’. This resource answers questions about how such a relationship is defined and the nature of adult interdependent partner agreements.
The act outlining the rights and responsibilities of people living in “common law” relationships (not marriages) or who have signed an interdependent relationship agreement.
The Adult Interdependent Relationships Act was passed during the fall 2002 sitting of the provincial Legislature and became law on June 1, 2003. This act amended several Alberta laws for people in unmarried relationships involving economic and emotional interdependency. These laws set out the financial and property benefits and responsibilities attached to these relationships. The act covers a range of personal relationships that fall outside of marriage, including committed platonic relationships where two people agree to share emotional and economic responsibilities.
This information on adult interdependent relationships is provided by Calgary Legal Guidance. This topic page discusses common-law relationships now called Adult Interdependent Relationships as set out in Alberta’s Adult Interdependent Relationships Act
