Spousal support in Canada is determined by multiple factors including marriage duration, roles, and financial circumstances

The Canadian Divorce Act establishes clear guidelines for determining spousal support obligations. The court considers several key factors when making support decisions to ensure fair and reasonable outcomes for both parties.

The main factors considered include:

• Length of marriage or relationship – longer relationships typically warrant more substantial support
• Financial positions of both spouses during and after marriage
• Roles and contributions during the marriage, including childcare and household management
• Future earning capacity and ability to become self-sufficient
• Economic advantages or disadvantages resulting from the marriage or divorce

The amount and duration of support payments are calculated to help the recipient spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living while working toward financial independence where possible.