I was not married. How do I legally separate in BC?

Under BC's Family Law Act (opens in a new tab), unmarried couples who live together in a marriage-like relationship are considered common-law after two years. A "marriage-like relationship" is when two people live together as if they were married, having a committed relationship like a marriage.

When an unmarried couple separates, each spouse has the same legal rights and responsibilities as married couples, including property division and support. See "What are the key legal issues for separation and divorce? (opens in a new tab)"

You do not need to file papers to be ‘separated.’ Simply living apart with the intention to end the relationship is enough. See Family Law in BC for more information on Going Through Separation (opens in a new tab).

Is you have questions about separating, Ask JES.