4-Part Series: Aspects of Separation & Divorce – Part 3: Spousal Support

I believe that a Justice of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice says it all: “Spousal support is a bit of an art, and certainly not a science.”

To determine whether spousal support is payable, first we must determine that the spouse has entitlement.  The big questions usually are: Did one spouse give up employment or educational opportunities to manage the household?  What functions did each spouse perform during the relationship?  How long did the spouses live together inter-dependently?  Is one spouse enduring economic hardship as a result of the breakdown of the relationship?

If entitlement has been established, next ask these 3 questions:

1. How much: look at the spouses’ age, health, obligations, dependants, and their life-stage (“condition”), the ability of each spouse to earn income (“means”), and the standard of living of each spouse (“needs”).
2. How long: the idea is to promote self-sufficiency within a reasonable period of time (what is “reasonable” in your case?).
3. What form: if received as a lump sum, the payment is not tax deductible for the payer or taxable for the recipient.  However, if paid monthly and the support is pursuant to a written agreement or court order, the payment is tax deductible for the payer and taxable for the recipient.

Next month – find out basic information with respect to division of property.

Read the other articles in this series:

1. Part 1 – Child Support
2. Part 2 – Parenting Time and Responsibilities
3. Part 4 – Division of Property