Do common-law partners share property rights the way married couples do in Ontario?

No. This is one of the most significant differences between marriage and common-law relationships in Ontario. Married spouses have a statutory right to equalize their net family property under the Family Law Act — meaning the economic gains made during the marriage are generally shared. Common-law partners have no equivalent statutory right.

When a common-law relationship ends, each partner generally keeps the property registered in their own name. If you contributed to property held by your partner, you may be able to bring a claim based on trust principles — such as unjust enrichment or constructive trust — but these are judge-made doctrines that require evidence of your financial or non-financial contributions and are not guaranteed. Outcomes depend heavily on the specific facts.

The practical takeaway is that common-law partners who want property sharing protections should negotiate a cohabitation agreement that clearly spells out what happens to shared and separately held assets if the relationship ends.