What is a Matrimonial Home?

A matrimonial home is a property that is ordinarily occupied by spouses as their family residence. If the spouses have separated, the property that was at the time of the separation occupied as their family residence is the matrimonial home. [1]

When only one of the spouses is on title to a matrimonial home, that spouse will require the other spouse’s consent to sell or mortgage the matrimonial home. 

Ontario only recognizes matrimonial homes for spouses and does not extend the concept to common-law couples.