Spousal support, sometimes referred to as “alimony”, is the payment of money made by one spouse to the other after the relationship comes to an end. It is generally paid by the spouse who earns a higher income in order to assist the other spouse with his or her living expenses. Common law spouses are also entitled to spousal support along the same lines as married spouses.
This financial support may be payable to the other spouse for a set period of time or indefinitely, depending on the circumstances. If the parties cannot agree on what this support will be, the Provincial Court or Court of Queen’s Bench will decide. The amount is dependent on a number of factors. These may include the amount of time the couple lived together, the financial needs of both partners, the responsibilities of each partner during this time and whether the parties previously agreed or made specific arrangements (such as a separation agreement), among other factors.
Max Blitt has over 40 years of specialized family law experience and can help you with any questions you may have regarding your or your former partner’s entitlement to spousal support.