As with a mortgage, title or any other asset, vehicles will remain the property of whoever is named as owner after a common-law separation.   The person whose name is on the title and registration of the car retains ownership — even if both partners were contributing financially to the purchase, loan or maintenance of the vehicle.   If the vehicle is jointly owned by both partners, that’s a different matter. Upon separation, couples will have to negotiate as to whether the car will be sold (with the proceeds cleanly divided), whether one partner wants to buy out the other’s share, or some other solution.  It is useful to remember that common-law relationships don’t have a legal process like divorce. So, ending one smoothly depends on discussing and documenting your assets, like mortgages and cars, ahead of time.  Federal and provincial laws can treat these relationships differently, especially during a breakup. That’s why tools like cohabitation agreements are helpful to protect everyone’s interests.   As a common-law partner, it might feel like you’re walking a tightrope when it comes to protecting your rights. But with the right information and a solid grasp of the laws, you can navigate and handle this journey with confidence.  Read next: How my financial habits changed after moving in with my partner