Spousal Support

Spousal support is not an automatic right in Ontario. The person requesting spousal support has the burden of proving that they should be entitled to it. An entitlement to spousal support depends on various factors. The length of the relationship, the parties’ financial circumstances, and the roles they fulfilled while together, in particular the raising of children, are all relevant factors in assessing entitlement.

A spousal support order may be indefinite, time limited or subject to review. Depending on the facts of the case, the recipient of spousal support has an obligation to become self-sufficient by making reasonable efforts to find employment.

Spousal support payments can be reduced on account of “material change of circumstances” and you may be entitled to vary an existing order.