Spousal Support – Objectives

This is a difficult issue for a lot of payors.  However, a party has to recognize that a marriage is a partnership.  Once the partnership breaks down one party may have to compensate the other party. 

Section 15.2 of the Divorce Act provides that the objectives of a spousal support Order is as follows:

(a) Recognize any economic advantages and disadvantages to the spouses arising from the marriage or its breakdown;

(b) Apportion between the spouses any financial consequences arising from the care of any child of the marriage over and above any obligation for the support of any child of the marriage;

(c)Relieve any economic hardship of the spouses arising from the breakdown of the marriage; and,

(d) In for so far as practicable, promote the economic self-sufficiency of each spouse within a reasonable period of time.

The courts have held that no single objective is more important than the others.  In fact, all of the objectives have to be balanced and considered in each case.

In order to determine if you are entitled to spousal support or if you have an obligation to pay spousal support you should consult with a lawyer.  Our Toronto family lawyers would be pleased to entertain any of your questions concerning this important topic. If you need any other assistance or require a divorce lawyer, feel free to contact us today!