Complimentary Consultation
Contact Us: 416-964-2215
BAKER & BAKER
Family Lawyers
During your thirty minute complimentary consultation you will receive a free copy of the Ontario Divorce Handbook by Donald S. Baker, LL.B.
We ensure that all your questions are answered.
Spousal Support
Determining spousal support in Ontario is complex because there any many different conditions to take into consideration including the occupation of each spouse during the marriage, the length of the marriage, age, physical health and career potential of each party.
Spousal support in Ontario may be awarded if it is demonstrated that one party:
Spousal support is provided to promote the economic self-sufficiency of each spouse. If granted, spousal support may be paid for a certain period of time regularly or in a lump sum payment. Child support takes precedence over spousal support.
The party who pays spousal support is entitled to claim the amount of the payments as a deduction against their income tax. The receiving partner is obliged to claim the spousal support they received as taxable income on their tax return. The recipient will be taxed on their total income, including spousal support payments.
Spousal Support Guidelines
The Federal Department of Justice has provided draft spousal support guidelines. These tables are a proposal only for spousal support. Child support takes precedence over spousal support
Professional advice is required to determine the amount of spousal, if any, and for how long support will be paid. The factors that determine spousal support are complicated and should be reviewed with counsel.