Spousal Support


Definition of Spousal Support

Spousal support is a support payment that can be ordered by a divorce judge to be paid to one of the parties by the other party for a duration of time. The duration and amount of spousal support varies with each case. It is dependent on several factors including age, whether or not there are children to support, years of marriage, lifestyle within the marriage, and ability to support oneself.

Spousal support is also known as alimony. In Canada and the United States, alimony is often considered to be an outdated term.



Spousal Support Explained

Spousal support can be ordered by a judge during the interim period before a divorce is finalized. It can be ordered to be ongoing beyond the date of finalization. There are several factors involved in deciding whether or not a person is entitled to spousal support, what amount is appropriate, and for how long. The term spousal support replaced the term alimony in many jurisdictions.