Classification of legal marital status

1 - Married (and not separated)

This category includes persons whose opposite- or same-sex spouse is living, unless the couple is separated or a divorce has been obtained. Also included are persons in civil unions.

2 - Widowed (including living common law)

This category includes persons who have lost their legally-married spouse through death and have not remarried. Those who live with a common-law partner are included in this category.

3 - Separated (including living common law)

This category includes persons currently legally married but who are no longer living with their spouse (for any reason other than illness, work or school) and have not obtained a divorce. Those who live with a common-law partner are included in this category.

4 - Divorced (including living common law)

This category includes persons who have obtained a legal divorce and have not remarried. Those who live with a common-law partner are included in this category.

5 - Single (including living common law)

This category includes persons who have never married (including all persons less than 15 years of age). It also includes persons whose marriage has been legally annulled who were single before the annulled marriage and who have not remarried. Those who live with a common-law partner are included in this category.