Blended families are more common than ever in Manitoba. According to the 2016 census, one in every ten Canadian children is living in a step-family. However, what happens when a blended family separates?

Common law partners now have many of the rights and obligations traditionally available only to married couples. Marital status is a straightforward point (married or unmarried), as are common-law relationships that have been registered with Vital Statistics.

Separation Agreements are contracts between two separating spouses. A separation Agreement can give you everything a court can give you with one exception, a divorce. It is therefore possible for non-married persons to never file any court papers but rather conduct themselves solely by way of agreement.

“How do I get a legal separation?” A common question for people facing the daunting idea of ending a marriage or common law relationship is how to “legally separate.” In addition to the emotional weight of this process are the practical issues of separating your financial affairs and setting arrangements for children.