Understanding relationships in Alberta can be confusing because the law recognizes more than just marriage or common-law partnerships. Alberta has a unique category of relationships called Adult Interdependent Relationship (AIR), defined under provincial law. This status can give you rights and responsibilities similar to those of married spouses, even if you never had a wedding.
For Alberta couples, it is important to understand how provincial law defines these partnerships, how they are created, and what legal implications come with them.
An Adult Interdependent Relationship is a legal relationship defined in the Adult Interdependent Relationships Act (AIRA). It is designed to cover situations where two people are in a committed, interdependent partnership but are not married.
The Adult Interdependent Relationships Act (AIRA) came into effect in 2003. Its goal was to extend certain legal rights and obligations to unmarried partners who are emotionally and financially interdependent. The Act is unique to Alberta and goes beyond what many other provinces recognize as common-law relationships.
An Adult Interdependent Partner (AIP) can be:
Importantly, AIPs don’t have to be romantic partners. The law allows for family members or even friends who share interdependent lives to qualify, though restrictions apply.
While both marriages and AIRs create legal rights and responsibilities, they differ in key ways:
You can become an AIP in one of three ways:
You cannot enter into an AIR if:
Being an AIP carries significant legal consequences. You may have rights and responsibilities related to:
This means that once AIR status is established, your partner could have claims on your property or estate, even if you never intended that outcome.
There are also important benefits to AIR recognition:
For many couples and families, AIR status provides needed security and fairness.
Because AIRs can arise automatically, many people do not realize they are in one until a legal issue arises. To protect yourself:
An AIR can end when:
Ending an AIR still involves rights and responsibilities. For example, property and support obligations may continue, so it is important to address these with legal guidance or through formal agreements.
Generally, three years of cohabitation, unless you have a child together or sign an AIP agreement.
In many provincial contexts, yes — especially regarding property division, spousal support, and estate rights. But AIRs are not always recognized outside Alberta.
Yes. Same-sex partners can qualify as Adult Interdependent Partners under the Act.
Not necessarily. AIR status can arise automatically through time and cohabitation. Signing an AIP agreement is one way to formalize the relationship, but registration is not required.
Yes. A cohabitation agreement is one of the best tools for AIPs to clarify financial responsibilities and protect themselves in case of separation.
If you are in an Adult Interdependent Relationship in Alberta, the law already gives your partner rights that could affect your finances, property, and estate. The best way to stay in control is to make your intentions clear in writing.
With Jointly, you can create a legally-sound cohabitation agreement online, at a fraction of the cost of traditional legal services. Our platform makes it simple to protect your assets, clarify financial expectations, and reduce the risk of conflict if the relationship ends.
👉 Start your cohabitation agreement today with Jointly and give yourself peace of mind knowing your future is protected.
Aimee SchallesHi, I'm Aimee, a co-founder of Jointly. I’ve been working as a lawyer in British Columbia for over ten years. I run a small law firm and love helping people solve everyday problems. I’ve seen the difficulties that ordinary people face in accessing reliable legal services. I’ve also seen many friends and clients go through challenging separations that could have been improved if they’d have had a prenup or cohabitation agreement. I hope Jointly helps people make the relationship agreement they’ve been thinking about! Latest posts by Aimee Schalles (see all)