Our Offices
Toronto and Hamilton
In Toronto, Ontario
20 Eglinton Avenue W, Suite. 2202
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M4R 1K8
Phone: 416-222-4555
In Hamilton, Ontario
20 Hughson St. South
Suite 406
Hamilton, Ontario
L8N 2A1
Phone: 1-905-662-6000
Spousal Support in Ontario
Alimony to the Lower Income Spouse
Canadian and Ontario Family law take several things into account in questions about spousal support (also known as alimony). The law has evolved over the past few decades as different types of families have become recognized, and as the relative financial situations of women and men have also evolved.
Spousal support rules and agreements are also likely to undergo more change as the full impact of the 2007 and 2008 economic recession unfolds for Canadian couples going through separation and divorce.
The family lawyers at Niren Family Law Practice are well-informed and up-to-date on how all aspects of family law are evolving in the current economic, social and legal arenas. We regularly follow legal separation and divorce court cases and settlements in order to be able to provide you with the best possible legal advice for your specific circumstances in the present and for your future.
What the Law Says About Spousal Support
First, if you are in a 'traditional' legal marriage, you and your partner are responsible for each other's financial support regardless of how long you've been married.
In contrast, unmarried spouses must meet the definition of a 'common law marriage' in order to have spousal support obligations and rights considered. You are in a common law marriage if you have been living together as a couple for at least three years, or you have a child together and are in a 'relationship of some permanence'. You can get more information about common law marriage here.
The rights and obligations of spousal support are qualified with "if there is an ability to pay and a need". There are several factors used to answer the questions of both need and ability.
A family lawyer at Niren Family Law Practice can guide you through all of your questions about your right to or obligation to pay spousal support. He or she will also explore collaborative law and other ADR methods, (dispute resolution alternatives), for dealing with your child support, child custody, family property division and other divorce and family law matters.