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How this works
Canada's Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) are used by courts and lawyers across the country to estimate spousal support. Unlike the child support tables they are advisory, but courts follow them closely.
Without children: the formula
Support is 1.5% to 2% of the gross income difference for each year the couple lived together, up to a maximum of 50% of the difference at 25 years. It lasts half a year to one year for each year together. It has no set end date if the relationship lasted 20 years or more, or under the rule of 65: when the recipient's age at separation plus the years together add up to 65 or more (with at least 5 years together).
With children: a different formula
When there is child support, the with child support formula divides each spouse's net disposable income after taxes, benefits and child support, leaving the lower-income spouse with 40% to 46% of the combined amount. Because it depends on detailed tax calculations, we recommend asking a family lawyer to run it.
Income limits
The guidelines generally do not apply where the paying spouse earns under $20,000, and above $350,000 they are only a starting point.
Source: Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines, Department of Justice Canada.