If I am not married but we were together for 8 years, what…

In Ontario common law spouses share some but not all of the legal rights and obligations that legally married spouses do if their relationship breaks down.

They do not share property rights. However, if one spouse contributed to the value of property in the other's name, either through financial contribution or effort, that spouse may have a claim for a portion of the value of the asset. This also applies to some extent for jointly held property. If you contributed disproportionately and much more significantly as is the case here then you may be entitled to significantly more than half of the interest in the house and van.

Common law spouses do share the same spousal support rights and obligations as married spouses do when the relationship breaks down.

The same rules apply as if you had been legally married. That means the same factors are taken into account. In fact, despite the fact that the Divorce Act doesn't apply the Courts generally apply the same rules and principles that are set out in that Act.

The Court would look at the length of the relationship (which is considered to be short in your case), your ages, the roles you played during the relationship, whether the spouses worked before or during the relationship and whether they are working now, their skills, education and work experience and the lifestyle during the relationship.

The Court will look at the means and needs of both of you.

The Court will apply certain principles such as the fact that both spouses have a duty to become self-sustaining as much as possible. And the idea that no one is supposed to be financially penalized by the cohabitation or it's breakdown will be taken into account by the Court.

For these reasons he may attempt to seek spousal support from you. He will certainly be expected to work but it's possible that you would have to support him for a short while.

You are both responsible for joint debts.

I hope that helps as a starting point.

Please click accept so that I can receive credit for providing you with this information.