February 25, 2020 – Separate Residences May Not = Separation

“Finding that the parties maintained two separate residences in Toronto is not the end of the inquiry as to whether they lived together.  In considering the flexible approach put forth by the Supreme Court of Canada in M. v. H., and in considering whether maintaining separate residences eliminates a party’s ability to be considered a spouse, Justice Karakatsanis, in Campbell v. Szoke (referred to above) [2003 CanLII 2291 (ONSC)] states [at para 52]:

The fact that the parties maintain separate residences does not prevent the finding of cohabitation. The court must look at all of the circumstances and consider the reasons for maintaining another residence, such as to facilitate access with one’s children: Thauevette v. Maylon (1996), 1996 CanLII 8090 (ON SC), 23 R.F.L. (4th) 217 at 222 (Ont. Gen. Div.). Continuous daily cohabitation is not a necessity for a finding under section 29 of the Family Law Act. A couple who lived together only on weekends was found to be cohabiting in Hazelwood v. Kent, [2000] O.J. No. 5263 at 8 (Ont. S.C.J.). Whether a couple has cohabited continuously is both a subjective and an objective test. Intention of the parties is important. Where there is a long period of companionship and commitment and an acceptance by all who knew them as a couple, continuous cohabitation should be found: McEachern v. Fry Estate, [1993] O.J. no. 1731 at para. 21 (Ont. Gen. Div.).”

         Climans v. Latner, 2019 ONSC 1311 (CanLII) at 122