If I enter into an agreement, can I change my mind later on? In most circumstances, you cannot set aside an agreement because you change your mind. You would need more, such as proof that you were forced to sign the agreement, or that you received incomplete financial disclosure. If you want to try to set aside an agreement, you should get legal advice before taking any steps. Am I entitled to part of my spouse’s/partner’s Canada Pension Plan if we separate? Regardless of whether you were married or in a common-law relationship, when a relationship ends, either partner may apply for a division of unadjusted pensionable earnings under the Canada Pension Plan. You must have lived together for 12 consecutive months. It is not necessary for the person applying for the division to have contributed directly to the plan to be entitled to a division of the unadjusted earnings of his or her spouse. A division of pension credits may mean more money to you when you retire or if you become disabled. It could mean benefits for your children if you die or become disabled. Information on credit splitting of CPP credits is available from the federal government at www.esdc.gc.ca/en/cpp/ credit_splitting.page. What about my spouse’s/partner’s provincial pension plan? If you were legally married, according to the Pension Benefits Act (PBA) in Ontario, you may apply for a division of your spouse’s provincial pensions when you split up. Under the PBA, common-law couples who have lived together continuously for two years are also entitled to pension benefits. This includes the following provincial pension plans: Teachers Pension Act, the Public Service Superannuation Act, the Members Pension Act, the Members Superannuation Act, and the Provincial Court Judges Act. Note: If a legally married spouse and a common-law partner both apply for the same benefits under the PBA, the spouse has
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