Moving in together is a big step, emotionally and financially. While it may feel like a natural progression in your relationship, few couples realise how exposed they are without a Cohabitation Agreement in Alberta.
In Alberta, unmarried couples who live together can still face legal and financial consequences similar to married couples after separating. Without clear, written terms, assumptions can turn into legal disputes, and “what’s mine” and “what’s yours” can quickly become blurred.
Here’s what you need to know before you split the rent but skip the paperwork.
You Don’t Have to Be Married to Owe Support
Under Alberta’s Family Property Act, couples who live together in a “relationship of interdependence” for three years (or less, if you have a child together) may be treated like married spouses when it comes to dividing property. That means:
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Shared assets may be up for division — even if only one person’s name is on the title.
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One partner may be responsible for spousal support, even if the couple never married.
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Debts incurred during the relationship could be shared.
Without a cohabitation agreement, you’re relying on the courts to make decisions that may not reflect your intentions.
Need clarity? Book a consultation with an Edmonton Cohabitation Agreement Lawyer today.
You May Lose Property You Thought Was Yours
A common myth? You automatically keep whatever you bring into the relationship.
In reality, the longer you live together — and the more financially entangled you become — the harder it is to prove what’s exclusively yours. For example:
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If your partner contributed to the mortgage or renovations, they may claim a share of the home.
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Gifts or inheritances can be at risk if they’ve been mixed into shared finances.
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Buying large assets together (a car, a house, a business) without documenting your ownership shares can backfire later.
We’ve seen many couples caught off guard by this, especially when they didn’t consult a Family Lawyer in Edmonton early on.
Related: Who Gets What? Property Division in a Cohabitation Split
Verbal Agreements Don’t Hold Up in Court
“He said he’d never ask for anything.”
“She told me she’d move out with nothing.”
Unfortunately, none of that matters if you end up in front of a judge. Courts look at documented actions, not words or promises. Without a written agreement, your financial future may rest on assumptions and memories. That’s a risky bet.
Pro Tip: Edmonton Family Law Firms like ours specialise in turning verbal understandings into legally binding agreements. Get yours drafted now.
Why You Should Get a Cohabitation Agreement
A legally drafted cohabitation agreement:
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Defines who owns what — and how it will be handled if you separate.
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Protects each party from taking on the other’s debts.
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Sets expectations for spousal support (or the absence of it).
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Offers peace of mind while you’re still on good terms.
At Kolinsky Law, our Best Alberta Lawyers for Unmarried Couples help couples create clear, enforceable agreements that reflect their specific circumstances, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Learn more: Cohabitation Agreements: Do You Need One?
Conclusion
Living together might feel casual, but the legal consequences are anything but. If you’re building a life with someone, you owe it to yourself to protect what you’re bringing to the table.
Our team of Edmonton Family Lawyers can help you understand your Legal Rights When Living Together in Alberta and prepare a solid agreement that fits your relationship now and in the future.
Take action today:
- Call us at +1 (780)-757-6400 for consultation.
- Read the complete guide: “Cohabitation Agreements in Alberta: What You Must Know”.
- Book a meeting with David Kolinsky, a top-rated Edmonton Cohabitation Agreement Lawyer.
About David Kolinsky
David Kolinsky, founder of Kolinsky Law, is a trusted Edmonton Family Lawyer specialising in cohabitation agreements, divorce, and family law. With over 18+ years of experience, David Kolinsky helps unmarried couples protect their assets and clarify their Property Rights in Alberta.
📞 Contact Kolinsky Law today to discuss your Affordable Cohabitation Agreement in Edmonton.