Difference between revisions of "Basic Principles of Spousal Support"

Spousal support can be payable, or not payable, because of a family law agreement or because of a court order. When support can't be agreed on, married and formerly married spouses can apply for spousal support under the federal ''[[Divorce Act]]''. Although both married and unmarried spouses can apply for spousal support under the provincial ''[[Family Law Act]]'', there are special rules about how a couple qualify as spouses under that act and special rules about when claims for spousal support can be made.

This page provides an introduction to the basic principles of the law on spousal support, and explores how spousal support is awarded under the ''[[Divorce Act]]'' and the ''[Family Law Act]''. It also discusses the basics of calculating the amount of support to be paid when someone is entitled to receive it and looks at the sort of support orders the court can make, including interim and final orders. The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines is the subject of in the next page.