Still Living Together But Separated — Does That Count in Alberta?
It's more common than you think: couples who've decided to end their relationship but continue living under the same roof — sometimes for months or even years — due to finances, childcare, housing costs, or simply not being ready to move out.
The good news is that Alberta law does recognize this as a valid form of separation. You don't need to physically move into separate homes for your relationship to legally be considered &qu... moreStill Living Together But Separated — Does That Count in Alberta?
It's more common than you think: couples who've decided to end their relationship but continue living under the same roof — sometimes for months or even years — due to finances, childcare, housing costs, or simply not being ready to move out.
The good news is that Alberta law does recognize this as a valid form of separation. You don't need to physically move into separate homes for your relationship to legally be considered "over." What matters is whether you can demonstrate a genuine breakdown of the relationship — such as:
✅ Sleeping in separate bedrooms
✅ No longer functioning as a couple socially or financially
✅ Dividing household responsibilities separately
✅ Informing family or friends of the separation
This distinction matters because it directly affects your eligibility for divorce, your rights to spousal or child support, and how property gets divided between you and your former partner.
Every situation is different, and proving separation while still cohabiting can get complicated — which is exactly where having the right legal guidance makes a difference.
At Kolinsky Law, we help Edmonton families navigate these situations with clarity & confidence.
