Willezy
July 31st, 2025
If you are in a common-law relationship in Ontario, estate planning is not a topic you can afford to ignore… Because the law does not always see your relationship the same way you do.
Ontario’s inheritance laws do not treat common-law couples the same as married couples. And that can lead to some unexpected (and painful) consequences. You might have shared a home for 10 years, raised kids together, and pooled your finances.
But if you pass away without a plan in place, your partner could be left out entirely…
They might end up in court. They could have to file a dependent’s support claim, arguing they were financially dependent on you and deserve part of your estate. That is not just expensive—it is emotionally draining. Why put your partner through that? Especially when you can avoid it entirely by planning ahead.
