Definition of Spouse under FLA and WESA

Author: Amy A. Mortimore, Zara Suleman, and Zachary Rogers
Current to: October 2021

As part of CLEBC Online Course Materials, our latest Practice Point paper is “Definition of Spouse under FLA and WESA.” Originally prepared for CLEBC’s 2021 course Interplay Between Aging, Death & Divorce, authors Amy A. Mortimore and Zachary Rogers (both of Clark Wilson LLP) and Zara Suleman (of Suleman Family Law) explore the definition of the word “spouse” as it is presented in a legal context.

The bounds of the definition of the word “spouse” have been frequently tested and challenged in recent years, often resulting in an incremental expansion of the definition. This has had, and continues to have, a significant impact on both family and estate law matters where the issue of spousal status is contested.

In “Definition of Spouse under FLA and WESA,” the authors review certain recent decisions on the definition of “spouse” and consider how the law in this area may develop further.

 

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