Previous common law relationships

[Kiwiz]

Dose anyone know on the application for Inside Canada common law sponsorship, when you have to declare any previous marriage or common law relationship, its asks to submit divorce papers, or a declaration (if it was common law) to state the relationship is over.

Both my partner and I were in previous common law relationships for a couple of years in our 20's (now both 30) do we need our ex partners to sign or submit something to state it's over, or is a declaration from both of us (my partner and I) enough?

I find it awkward enough that we have to write down the names of our ex common law partners on the forms.

 

[Rob_TO]

Both my partner and I were in previous common law relationships for a couple of years in our 20's (now both 30) do we need our ex partners to sign or submit something to state it's over, or is a declaration from both of us (my partner and I) enough?

I don't think the ex needs to sign or even be aware of anything. Technically, you can still apply as common-law even if you are still married to someone else on paper.

The exact wording is here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/ip/ip08-eng.pdf
Cohabitation with a common-law partner must have started after a physical separation from the
spouse. Evidence of separation from the spouse may include:
• a separation agreement;
• a signed formal declaration that the marriage has ended and that the person has entered into
a common-law relationship

So i think if you both sign formal declarations that you are no longer common-law spouses to your previous partners, and are now a common-law couple with each other... that should be fine. The fact the previous relationships were so long ago should mean it won't be an issue to the VO. There are lots of cases in applications where ex-spouses are uncooperative or not able to be contacted... and usually a simple letter explaining things helps.