The term ‘common-law’ is often used to describe a couple that lives together, with or without children, but is not married. The term ‘common-law’ is no longer used in Alberta laws. In June 2003, a law was passed that created ‘adult interdependent relationships.’ This law is called the Adult Interdependent Relationships Act. The term ‘common-law’ is, however, still used by other governments in Canada. For example, the federal government still uses the term ‘common-law’ for income tax purposes or for the purpose of receiving federal government benefits. In these cases, there is a time requirement of only one year of living together (as opposed to the requirements under the Adult Interdependent Relationships Act). Last Reviewed: June 2019