Spousal Support Information:

How is Spousal Support determined?

• ​Spousal Support is difficult to predict, but is based upon the concept that the financial relationship between spouses or partners may remain interdependent for some time after they part ways. In principal, the longer the parties are together, and the greater the economic impact resulting on the lower income party as a result of the relationship breakdown the greater the obligation in terms of amount and duration of support. The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines exist to provide the Courts guidance and although they are not binding upon the Court, they do provide a reasonable indication of potential support entitlement.

Can unmarried partners seek support after a relationship breakdown?

• Yes, where there is a child of the relationship, or where the parties have resided together for not less than three (3) years , under section 57 of the Family Law Act of Alberta, the Court May direct support to be paid to either partner depending upon the circumstances of the parties, where, again, the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines provide a reasonable indication of potential support entitlement.

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