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Statutory Declaration of Common Law Union

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Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union

(Single signature)

SECTION A - TO BE COMPLETED BY THE APPLICANT

Canada, Province or Territory of
Social Insurance Number

To Wit:

In the matter of the Canada Pension Plan and the Old Age Security Act and In the Matter of Common-Law Union

I, , of , in the province or territory of , solemnly declare that , and I lived together for continuous year(s) from to .

1. Are there children of the common-law union? This would include adopted children or children of one common-law partner to whom the other acted as a parent.

If yes, please provide the following information:

The following is information on each child. (If more space is required, attach a separate sheet.)

First name Legal last name Last name commonly used Date of birth

2. My common-law partner and I:

a) Jointly signed a residential lease, mortgage or purchase agreement relating to a residence in which we both lived.

b) Jointly owned property other than our residence.

c) Had joint bank, trust, credit union or charge card accounts.

3A. I had life insurance on myself that named my common-law partner as beneficiary.

3B. My common-law partner had life insurance on him/herself that named me as beneficiary.

4. If none of the above sections apply, what other documentary evidence are you aware of that would support your conjugal relationship as common-law partners?

I hereby declare that, to the best of my knowledge, the information on this declaration is true and complete. I realize that my personal information is governed by the Privacy Act and may be disclosed where authorized under the Old Age Security Act and the Canada Pension Plan. NOTE: If you make a false or misleading statement, you may be subject to an administrative monetary penalty and interest, if any, under the Canada Pension Plan or the Old Age Security Act, or may be charged with an offence. Any benefits you received or obtained to which there was no entitlement would have to be repaid.

Your Name (Please print)
Your Signature

Was the form completed and signed by someone other than the applicant?

If yes, that person must complete the section below and submit proof that they are authorized to act on behalf of the client. Call us at 1-800-277-9914 to find out what documents are required.

Name
Relationship to applicant
Telephone number
Date

Address
Signature

SECTION B - TO BE COMPLETED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS

Declared before me at , county of , in the province or territory of this day of , .

Name of Commissioner and Organization (Please print)
Signature of Commissioner
Commissioner Authority Number (if applicable)

Service Canada delivers Human Resources and Skills Development Canada programs and services for the Government of Canada.

Disponible en français

Service Canada Offices - Canada Pension Plan

Mail your forms to: The nearest Service Canada office listed below. From outside of Canada: The Service Canada office in the province where you last resided.

Need help completing the forms? Canada or the United States: 1-800-277-9914; All other countries: 613-990-2244 (we accept collect calls); TTY: 1-800-255-4786.

Important: Please have your social insurance number ready when you call.

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Service Canada
PO Box 9430 Station A
St. John's NL A1A 2Y5
CANADA
ONTARIO
For postal codes beginning with "K or P"
Service Canada
PO Box 2013 Station Main
Timmins ON P4N 8C8
CANADA

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Service Canada
PO Box 8000 Station Central
Charlottetown PE C1A 8K1
CANADA
MANITOBA AND SASKATCHEWAN
Service Canada
PO Box 818 Station Main
Winnipeg MB R3C 2N4
CANADA

NOVA SCOTIA
Service Canada
PO Box 1687 Station Central
Halifax NS B3J 3J4
CANADA
ALBERTA / NORTHWEST TERRITORIES AND NUNAVUT
Service Canada
PO Box 2710 Station Main
Edmonton AB T5J 2G4
CANADA

NEW BRUNSWICK AND QUEBEC
Service Canada
PO Box 250 Station A
Fredericton NB E3B 4Z6
CANADA
BRITISH COLUMBIA AND YUKON
Service Canada
PO Box 1177 Station CSC
Victoria BC V8W 2V2
CANADA

ONTARIO
For postal codes beginning with "L, M or N"
Service Canada
PO Box 5100 Station D
Scarborough ON M1R 5C8
CANADA

Disponible en français

Enter text✕

What the Statutory Declaration of Common Law Union Is

A Statutory Declaration of Common Law Union is a sworn written statement in which two adults attest that they meet a jurisdiction's factual criteria for a common-law relationship. In the United States this document is often used to support claims for benefits, insurance, tenancy, or legal recognition where no formal marriage certificate exists. It records the parties' names, dates, duration and nature of cohabitation, shared finances or dependents, and may be notarized or witnessed depending on local rules. It does not itself create marriage where state law does not recognize common-law status.

Why a Statutory Declaration Can Matter for Benefits and Legal Proof

A clear, properly executed declaration provides contemporaneous evidence of a long-term relationship for insurers, employers, landlords, and government agencies. It helps document joint residence, financial interdependence, or caregiving arrangements when a marriage certificate is unavailable or inapplicable.

Why a Statutory Declaration Can Matter for Benefits and Legal Proof

Who Typically Prepares or Accepts This Declaration

The declaration is a supporting document: acceptance and evidentiary weight vary by recipient and by state law.

  • Government agencies and benefits administrators verifying eligibility for spousal or dependent benefits.
  • Employers and insurers confirming domestic partnership or spousal coverage eligibility.
  • Landlords and housing authorities accepting tenancy or occupancy claims for couples without marriage certificates.

Core Elements to Include in a Professional Statutory Declaration

A complete declaration combines factual statements, identifying data, and formal execution elements so recipients can evaluate the claim with confidence.

Parties

Full legal names and date of birth for each declarant, and any other names previously used to avoid identity confusion in records searches.

Declaration Statement

A concise sworn paragraph describing the relationship, start date of cohabitation, intent to present as a couple, and current status.

Residency Details

Addresses and dates of shared residence periods, showing continuous cohabitation where applicable and links to supporting documents.

Financial Interdependence

Description of joint bank accounts, shared bills, insurance coverage, joint lease or mortgage, and who contributes to household expenses.

Dependents & Obligations

Names of dependents, caregiving responsibilities, or legal obligations indicating family-like economic and social ties.

Execution & Notary

Signature blocks for declarants, date, and space for notary/witness details—include notary acknowledgment if required by the recipient.

Required Information: Quick Reference

Full Legal Names: Exact as on government ID
Dates: MM/DD/YYYY for key dates
Shared Address: Street, city, state, ZIP
Financial Evidence: Joint accounts or bills
Dependents: Names and birthdates
Signatures: Signed and dated by parties

Step-by-Step: Filling and Finalizing the Declaration

Follow these four steps to prepare, execute, and deliver a declaration that is more likely to be accepted.

  • 01
    Gather Documents: Collect IDs, joint bills, lease, insurance, and financial records supporting the relationship.
  • 02
    Draft the Statement: Complete fields with specific facts, dates, and consistent names to show intent and cohabitation.
  • 03
    Execute Formally: Sign before a notary or required witnesses; do not sign in advance if notarization is needed.
  • 04
    Provide to Recipient: Submit to employer, insurer, landlord, or agency with supporting documents as requested.

Where to File or Submit Your Declaration

Different recipients expect different submission routes; confirm the recipient's preferred method before sending.

  • Employer or HR: Submit to benefits or HR office per internal procedures.
  • Insurance Provider: Send to underwriting or claims department with policy number.
  • Landlord or Housing: Provide to property manager or leasing office with lease details.
  • Government Agency: File with the specific agency handling benefits or identification services.

Customizing an Online Declaration Workflow

Set up fields and routing to match the recipient's verification needs and reduce back-and-forth.

Field Configuration
Identity Fields Required; use exact-format validation
Date Fields MM/DD/YYYY format enforced
Supporting Upload Allow PDF/JPEG; require filename and date
Notary/Witness Block Conditional display when selected

Digital Signing and eSubmission: Technical Checklist

Confirm whether the recipient requires notarization, witness signatures, or additional authentication and configure the platform accordingly.

  • File Types: PDF or DOCX accepted
  • Authentication: Email plus optional SMS code
  • Audit Trail: Timestamp and IP recorded

Timing Considerations When You Need a Declaration

There is no universal filing deadline; timing depends on the recipient's policy and the event prompting the declaration.

Benefits Application:

Submit at initial claim or when adding a dependent or spouse to avoid denied benefits

Insurance Enrollment:

Provide before open enrollment or within insurer's change-of-status window

Lease or Tenancy:

Supply with a rental application or at lease signing to establish occupancy rights

Legal Proceedings:

File before or during litigation as requested by counsel or the court

Retroactive Claims:

Evidence dated near the claimed period improves credibility for retroactive benefit requests

How This Declaration Differs from Related Documents

Compare common alternatives to determine which document best meets the recipient's requirements.

Document Type Statutory Declaration Domestic Partnership Registration
State Recognition varies by state often local or municipal
Requires Notary sometimes usually yes
Creates Legal Status no, evidentiary only may confer local rights
Use Cases benefits proof, tenancy municipal benefits, local ordinances

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Declaration

  • Using inconsistent names or dates between the declaration and supporting documents, which leads to verification delays or rejection.
  • Failing to attach contemporaneous evidence such as joint bills or a lease, reducing the statement's evidentiary value.
  • Pre-signing the document before notarization when a recipient specifically requires in-person execution with a notary present.
  • Submitting to the wrong agency or an address that the recipient does not accept, causing processing denials or return.

Risks and Consequences of an Incorrect or Fraudulent Declaration

Perjury Exposure: False sworn statements may lead to criminal perjury charges
Benefit Denial: Incorrect facts can cause immediate denial of benefits
Tax Implications: Improper claims may trigger audits or penalties
Civil Liability: Third parties may sue for damages from fraud
Document Rejection: Missing notarization or signatures can invalidate the filing
Statute Issues: Incorrect dates affect limitations and eligibility periods

Supporting Documents and File Formats to Include

Provide corroborating records and keep electronic copies in common, widely accepted formats for review and retention.

Supporting Documents

Include joint lease, shared utility bills, joint bank statements, insurance policies, or affidavits from third parties to corroborate the declaration.

Accepted Formats

Provide PDFs for final signed versions and accept JPEG or PDF for scanned receipts and bills to ensure compatibility.

How to Save

Store a signed PDF/A copy for long-term retention and an additional searchable copy for quick retrieval and redaction purposes.

Version Control

Label files with party names and dates (e.g., JaneDoe-JohnSmith-Declaration-YYYYMMDD) to prevent confusion across submissions.

eSignature Vendor Pricing Comparison for Document Execution

Typical vendor pricing and feature availability can affect cost and operational fit when you need e-signing, notarization routing, or bulk delivery.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting

Answers to common questions about validity, notarization, evidence, and electronic submission of statutory declarations.


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