Ontario’s Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines calculate payment amounts based on income, marriage length, and family circumstances.

The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAGs) in Ontario provide a structured framework to determine support payments between former spouses. While not legally binding, these guidelines help courts and separating couples establish fair and consistent support arrangements.

Key factors considered include:

  • Length of marriage or cohabitation – longer relationships typically result in higher support amounts
  • Income disparity between spouses – including current earnings and future earning potential
  • Childcare responsibilities and their impact on earning capacity
  • Standard of living established during the relationship
  • Age and health of both parties

The guidelines use two main formulas: the with child support formula for couples with dependent children, and the without child support formula for those without dependent children. Support duration typically ranges from half to one times the length of the relationship, though permanent support may apply in long-term marriages.