Many of us know persons who are in common-law relationships in T&T or maybe you're in a common law relationship yourself. Did you know a common-law spouse has certain rights in Trinidad and Tobago?
But first...what exactly is a common law relationship?
A common-law or cohabitational relationship arises when there are two persons of the opposite sex, who, not being married to each other, are living or have lived together as husband and wife. In determining whether two persons are living together as husband and wife, all the circumstances of the relationship are taken into account, including the following matters that may be relevant in a particular case:
Now that we understand what exactly is a common law relationship, what are the rights of the persons in it?
A common law spouse can apply for maintenance for herself/himself as well as orders in respect of their rights to property.
Under the Cohabitational Relationships Act, the court is empowered to make orders for maintenance for a common-law spouse as well as orders in respect of their rights to property. To be granted any of these orders the person must satisfy the court that either:
The person making such an application must also satisfy the court that failure to make the order would result in grave injustice to him/her. The application must also be made within two years after the day on which the couple stopped living together. It should be noted that the court will not make a maintenance order in favour of a cohabitant who has entered into a subsequent cohabitational relationship or has married or remarried. Persons in a common law relationship can enter into a cohabitational relationship agreement or separation agreement. Under the Cohabitational Relationships Act, parties can have a cohabitational relationship or separation agreement, which is an agreement made between the parties before, during or after their relationship, in which they agree to their respective rights and obligations during their relationship or when they cease to live together or upon death. They may come to an agreement on:
However, nothing in a cohabitation or separation agreement affects the power of a Court to make an order with respect to the right to custody in relation to the children of the parties to the agreement. Additionally, the court still retains the power to vary these agreements in certain circumstances.
A common law spouse can apply for custody, access or maintenance of a child born out of the common law relationship.
Under the Family Law (Guardianship of Minors, Domicile and Maintenance) Act a common law spouse can make an application for custody, maintenance or access to a child born out of that common law relationship.
On the death of a common law spouse who left no valid will, the surviving common-law spouse is entitled to benefit from the deceased's estate.
This is possible because of section 25 of the Administration of Estates Act. However, the couple must have lived together continuously in a genuine domestic relationship for a period of not less than five years immediately before the death of the deceased. The surviving common-law spouse is entitled to benefit from the estate of the deceased in the following ways:
To claim his or her share of the estate, the surviving common-law spouse must file with the High Court a notice of interest as the surviving cohabitant within 28 days of the deceased's death. If the surviving cohabitant was unable to file within 28 days of the deceased's death, in certain circumstances, he or she can make an application to the court asking for an extension of time for filing the notice of interest. The surviving cohabitant must then apply to the court within three months after that to obtain an order affirming that there was a common-law relationship and affirming how much of the estate he or she is entitled to. Important Notice: This post does not constitute or provide legal advice. Always consult with a suitably qualified attorney-at-law on any legal problem or issue. Law For All is managed by the Aurora Chambers Legal Practice. Receive updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ:
MY COMMON LAW PARTNER HAS DIED WITHOUT A WILL. HOW DO I ENSURE I RECEIVE A SHARE OF MY PARTNER'S ESTATE?
5 Comments
Suzane Gomez
22/8/2022 10:19:56 am
I would appreciate your assistance on my late common law husband of 30yrs. He was a retired senior police officer and I located a [ay slip where he contributed to Widow and Orphan funds, however, I went to the Treasury to obtain the application form, and was told I'm not entitled to any funds since we were not married and the Police service don't recognize Common Law relationship. We have a son age 27yrs. Could you assist me. Thank you in advance for your kind assistance.
Reply
20/9/2022 11:48:06 am
Hi Suzane. Please email us at aurorachamberstt@gmail.com with your contact information so we can assist.
Reply
Naomi Serrette
14/9/2022 10:23:34 am
My dad died and left no will. He is still legally married to my mom and they both have 3 kids. He was in a common law relationship for the past 25 years with someone for which they have no kids together. She is mentally instable. What advice can you give on what his common law wife is entitled to. Thanking you in advance for your assistance.
Reply
20/9/2022 11:49:16 am
Hi Naomi. Please email us at aurorachamberstt@gmail.com with your contact information so we can assist.
Reply
Suzane Gomez
14/9/2022 05:53:22 pm
Thanks for the information, but my question is, Am I entitled to the Police Service Widows Benefits since we had a common law relationship of 35years and have a son 27 years. Suzane GOMEZ
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Categories
All
Archives
January 2023
|