SPOUSAL SUPPORT

In Ontario, spousal support is money paid from one spouse to the  other for financial support upon the breakdown of a relationship. A  couple is said to have been in a relationship if

• they were legally married;
• they were in a common-law relationship for at least three years; or
• they had a biological child or adopted a child together and were in a relationship of some permanence.

No  spouse is automatically entitled to support. Such entitlement may arise  out of an agreement between the partners, or if one person applies to  the court for support. In that case, the court may determine how much  support will be required, if any, and the duration of the support.

Spousal support can be enforced through a court order, separation agreement, or the Family Responsibility Office. 

Please refer to the Spousal Support Calculator.