There are multiple definitions - click on the translation that matches your context.
common-law spouse means:
companheiro means:
substantivo
partial
noun
Pursuant to sections 1,723 to 1,726 of the Brazilian Civil Code, "companheiro" is a person in a "união estável" (comparable to a common-law marriage). The Brazilian law imposes no requirement of living together in order for a "união estável" to exist.
a man/woman who is not officially a husband/wife but is considered to be one in some countries because he/she has been living with their partner for a long time
The family lawyer was instructed to advise on the legal status of a common-law spouse.