We’re Not a Couple — But Are We Adult Interdependent Partners?

When most people hear “Adult Interdependent Relationship,” they assume it’s just Alberta’s version of common-law marriage. That’s partly true, but also misleading.

In Alberta, you can be in an Adult Interdependent Relationship (AIP) with someone you're romantically involved with. However, you can also be in such a relationship with someone you’ve never even dated, such as a close friend, a roommate, or even a sibling. And that relationship might come with legal rights and responsibilities you didn’t intend to take on.

Important note: The Adult Interdependent Relationships Act does not apply to married couples. If you are legally married, your rights and obligations are governed by Alberta’s laws relating to marriage, not AIPs.

What is an Adult Interdependent Relationship?

The Adult Interdependent Relationships Act states that you are considered an adult interdependent partner of another person if:

• You have lived with them in a relationship of interdependence:

  • For at least three continuous years, or

  • For less time if you have a child together by birth or adoption; or

• You have signed an Adult Interdependent Partner Agreement with them.[1]

What is a Relationship of Interdependence?

The Act defines a “relationship of interdependence” as one in which two people:

1. Share one another’s lives,

2. Are emotionally committed to each other, and

3. Function as an economic and domestic unit.[2]

These legal definitions demonstrate that there is no requirement that the two people in an AIP be romantically involved.  

To determine whether two people function as an economic and domestic unit, courts will consider the context and may weigh a number of factors, including:

• Whether the relationship is conjugal (note: this is not required),

• The degree of exclusivity,

• Shared household activities and finances,

• How they present themselves to others,

• Any formalized legal obligations or shared property,

• Contributions to each other’s well-being,

• Financial dependence or arrangements,

• Child care responsibilities, and

• Property ownership and acquisition.

Non-Romantic AIPs: Yes, They Exist

While this may come as a surprise, there are many examples of non-romantic relationships that may qualify as AIPs, including but not limited to:

• Two best friends who have lived together for years and share living expenses,

• An adult child and their aging parent who support one another while living under the same roof,

• Siblings who cohabit and pool resources to run their household, and

• Two single parents who jointly manage housing, childcare, and finances.

If these people meet the legal test and are not related by blood or adoption, they may already be considered adult interdependent partners, even if they never intended to be.

In short, while romance can be a factor, it is not necessary in order for a relationship to qualify as an AIP. What matters is the presence of interdependence.

It is important to note that a relationship of interdependence does not exist where one person provides domestic support or personal care for a fee, or as part of an employment arrangement (e.g., a live-in caregiver).

A Special Note About Familial AIPs

Although AIP status is not limited to romantic partners, there is a key consideration for family members seeking to become AIPs:

If you are related by blood or adoption, you can only become AIPs by signing an Adult Interdependent Partner Agreement.[3]

This includes siblings, adult children and parents, cousins, and other blood relatives. Even if you live together, share responsibilities, and rely on each other emotionally and financially, you will not be considered AIPs without a signed agreement.

Why it matters

Being in an AIP comes with rights and responsibilities similar to marriage, including:

• Property division under the Family Property Act, SA 2003, c F-4.5 (s 1(1)(b)),

• Partner support obligations under the Family Law Act, SA 2003, c F-4.5,

• Inheritance rights under the Wills and Succession Act, SA 2010, c W-12.2 (s 60), and

• Access to benefits, such as employer-sponsored health or pension plans.

If you become an AIP without realizing it, these obligations can arise unexpectedly, such as during a separation or after a death.

On the other hand, if you are related by blood or adoption and do want to be recognized as AIPs for purposes like estate planning or benefit eligibility, you must take the additional step of signing a formal agreement.

How to Protect Yourself or Formalize Your Intentions

If you're living with someone in a close, supportive arrangement, romantic or not, it is worth clarifying your legal status. You may wish to:

• Sign an Adult Interdependent Partner Agreement to confirm your relationship and protect shared rights, or

• Enter into a cohabitation or non-AIP agreement if you want to avoid being considered AIPs by operation of law.

For family members, a signed agreement is not optional. It is the only way to create an AIP in that context.

[1] Adult Interdependent Relationships Act, SA 2002, c A-4.5 (the “Act”) at section 3.

[2] Section 1(1)(f) of the Act.

[3] Section 3(2) of the Act.

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Final Thoughts

Relationships don’t always fit into neat boxes, and Alberta law reflects that. Whether you’re sharing your life with a romantic partner, a friend, or a sibling, the law may recognize your relationship as an Adult Interdependent Partnership – but only if the legal criteria are met and, in some cases, only if a written agreement is in place.

If you're unsure about where your current living arrangement stands, we can help. At Stokes Law, we provide clear, practical advice to help Albertans make informed decisions, no matter what their relationship looks like.

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