Marital Status for common-law sponsorship

[Youthberry]

Hello guys,

My partner has been separated from his ex-wife for four years. What marital status should he write? Common-law or legally separated? If he is legally separated, then I should select "single" for myself? I was told that I should select "common-law" instead of "single" because we should have become common-law partners before we apply.

If we should select "common law", then question 4 on page 5 of the checklist confuses me. The question makes him answer yes but then his status changes to "legally separated"

Please explain. Thank you!

 

[canuck78]

Has he filed for separation? If not he is not legally separated. Would encourage him to start he divorce or separation process if he hasn't;t already.

 

[Youthberry]

Has he filed for separation? If not he is not legally separated. Would encourage him to start he divorce or separation process if he hasn't;t already.

There is no document for legal separation. As long as they have been separated for at least a year, they can file tax separately. He did it. He will file the divorce soon, too.
But after he files the divorce, his status should be common-law or legally separated?

 

[canuck78]

Common law if they have lived together for 1 year.

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Hello guys,

My partner has been separated from his ex-wife for four years. What marital status should he write? Common-law or legally separated? If he is legally separated, then I should select "single" for myself? I was told that I should select "common-law" instead of "single" because we should have become common-law partners before we apply.

If we should select "common law", then question 4 on page 5 of the checklist confuses me. The question makes him answer yes but then his status changes to "legally separated"

Please explain. Thank you!

Common-law and include a letter of explanation.