Spousal support – whether you’re entitled to it or whether you have to pay it – is one of the most complicated areas of family law.  How long you have to pay is a hugely difficult area, too.

An experienced family lawyer will tell you that some of the considerations are:

• The length of the marriage or common law relationship – in shorter marriages, if there is an entitlement spousal support can be on a fixed timetable; in longer marriage it may be ordered indefinitely
• The couples’ earning histories
• Whether one spouse stayed at home to raise the children and
• Sacrificed their career
• Who will take care of the children post-separation
• The financial means and needs of both parties
• Arrangements, agreements and/or Orders already I place

Judges and lawyers rely on the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines in Ontario to determine “how long” and “how much” in spousal support is paid.  But this is not the law.  There is a huge amount of discretion where spousal support is concerned.

Spousal support is an important right that should not be considered lightly.  Speak to an experienced family lawyer, Kathryn L. Smithen to learn your spousal support rights now.