A change in your spousal relationship may affect who receives benefits in the event of your death.
A spousal relationship change includes:
Entering a new spousal relationship
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Getting married
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Becoming common-law*
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Becoming a registered domestic partner
Ending a spousal relationship
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Separation**
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Divorce
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End of domestic partnership
If divorce occurs, the division of your pension benefit is not automatic. To complete a division of your pension benefit, you must provide a copy of the court order from the Supreme Court.
An example of a Spousal Relationship Change Court Order.
Important Facts:
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Your former spouse, common-law partner, or domestic partner may be entitled to receive up to one half of the pension benefit earned during the period of marriage.
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The period of marriage must be defined in the court order. It begins at the date of marriage, domestic partnership, or cohabitation, and ends at the date of separation.
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The form of payment (lump sum or monthly pension) to your ex-spouse is based upon when we are in receipt of the court order. The payment will not be retroactive but will be paid on a go-forward basis and included in the payroll cycle following receipt of the court order.
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If you are married, it is important to note that a legal separation is not sufficient to split pension assets, this can only be initiated upon divorce.
In the event of a pension division:
If we receive the court order prior to retirement, your ex-spouse may receive a one-time lump sum payment equal to the commuted value of their share of your pension benefit earned during the period of marriage.
If we receive the court order after retirement, your ex-spouse may receive their share of the pension benefit earned during the period of marriage as a monthly pension.
If you have had a Spousal Relationship change, if is important to notify us:
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For active members, please complete a Member Information Form and return it to our office.
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For retired members:
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If you retired prior to April 1, 2024, please complete a Member Information Form.
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If you are a retiree, or a survivor or a retiree, who retired on or after April 1, 2024, please contact our office.
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* You are considered common-law under the plan if you are cohabiting in a conjugal relationship with another person and have continued to for at least:
a) three years, if either of you is married, or
b) one year, if neither of you are married.
** In the case of separation, your separated spouse would still be considered your spouse and would be eligible to receive a survivor pension in the event of your death.