The Parental Union That’s Reshaping Quebec Families
Families grow in all kinds of ways. Some through marriage, some through longstanding partnerships, many through the simple, powerful choice to raise a child together and sometimes through the resilience and devotion of a single parent.
On June 30, 2025, Quebec introduced new parental union rules under Bill 56—a specific, automatic legal status for unmarried parents with children born or adopted on or after this date. Designed to provide stability and clarity for parents raising a child together outside a traditional marriage, this brings long-awaited protections, like having the family home recognized as a shared asset or gaining inheritance rights.
Quebec has the highest percentage of couples living in common-law relationships in Canada, with 42.7% compared to the national average of 22.7% (Statistics Canada, 2021 Census data)
What Exactly Is a Parental Union?
A parental union is a legal status that automatically applies when two de facto partners become the parents—by birth or adoption—of the same child on or after June 30, 2025. There’s no application, ceremony, or contract required. If you’re raising a child together, the law extends meaningful protections around family property and certain rights.
Under Bill 56, families may benefit from:
- Safeguards for the family home,
- Shared rights to certain family assets,
- The possibility of a compensatory allowance, and
- Inheritance rights for a partner where none existed before.
Important Reminder: These new protections apply only to parents whose child is born or adopted on or after June 30, 2025. If your child arrived before that date, simply living together doesn’t grant you the same protections in Quebec. In those situations, having an up-to-date will and mandate in case of incapacity is essential to ensure your wishes are respected. Furthermore, you can still voluntarily choose to enter the parental union regime with a notarial act.
Schedule an estate planning meeting with your partner and your advisor. In that conversation, compare the “no will” scenario to your actual wishes, review beneficiary designations, and ensure key elements of your coparenting agreement, like education or housing, are reflected in your estate plan. A brief check in today can avoid misunderstandings down the road.
NOTE: It is recommended to consult with your team of professional advisors such as your financial advisor, notary, lawyer, and tax specialist, discuss your unique situation.
What Does This Mean for Succession Planning?
- The family residence is now protected
The family home, or the right to use it, forms part of the parental union patrimony, even if only one partner is on title. This supports stability for the child and the parent who remains in the residence after separation and affects how value is shared. - Certain assets must be shared equally
On separation or death, the parental union patrimony—family residence, household furnishings, and family vehicles—is generally divided 50/50, regardless of who paid or holds legal title. RRSPs and other registered plans are not included in the patrimony unless you designate a partner as beneficiary in your will. Certain exceptions may apply for assets brought into the relationship or contributions made from inherited or gifted funds. - A de facto partner may now inherit even if there’s no will
For the first time, if you’re in a parental union and there’s no will, your partner can inherit part of your estate under Quebec’s default rules. If you prefer a different outcome—like prioritizing children from a previous relationship, using a trust for a minor, or scheduling support for a partner over time—you’ll need a clear will and aligned beneficiary designations to make that happen.
NOTE: Couples may also be able to opt out of parts of the parental union patrimony or adjust which assets are included, but the rules can be complex, so make sure to meet with your professional advisors to understand what applies in your unique situation.
Build the Foundation Early – Steps to Take
- Write or update your wills: Name a guardian, use trusts for minors, and reflect both parental union protections and personal wishes.
- Open and coordinate an RESP: Clarify contributions and decision making together.
- Agree on day-to-day roles: A clear coparenting agreement prevents confusion when life gets busy.
Start the Conversation That Shapes Your Child’s Future
Meet with your Raymond James advisor and their Estate and Trust specialists to create a plan that safeguards what matters most for you and your children.
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