Spousal Support Eligibility Wizard
Am I entitled to spousal support in Ontario? Entitlement depends on specific legal factors — not just income difference. This wizard walks through your relationship, income, and caregiving history to identify which recognized entitlement factors apply to you.
Your Relationship
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is spousal support automatic if there's an income difference?
No. An income gap alone does not create entitlement to spousal support in Ontario. Entitlement must first be established on a compensatory basis (economic disadvantage from the relationship), a non-compensatory basis (need and inability to be self-sufficient), or a contractual basis (an agreement providing for support).
Does this wizard tell me exactly how much support I'll get?
No. It identifies which recognized legal factors are present in your situation, based on the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines framework. For an actual estimated range, use the Spousal Support Duration Calculator linked below, and speak with a lawyer for a full assessment based on complete financial disclosure.
Do common-law partners get spousal support in Ontario?
Common-law partners can be entitled to spousal support under Ontario's Family Law Act if they meet the definition of "spouse" — generally, living together for at least 3 years, or being in a relationship of some permanence and having a child together. Property division rules for common-law couples differ significantly from married spouses.
How long does spousal support typically last?
Duration depends primarily on the length of the relationship and the presence of children. The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines suggest ranges — for example, roughly 0.5 to 1 year of support per year of marriage for shorter relationships, with longer or indefinite support more likely after marriages of 20+ years or where the recipient is close to retirement age.
Can spousal support be changed later?
Yes. A material change in circumstances — such as job loss, retirement, remarriage, or a significant income change — can justify a variation application to adjust support up, down, or terminate it, depending on the terms of your original order or agreement.
Free to use on your own website or blog — just copy the code below. Includes attribution back to Legal Solutions Law Firm.
<iframe src="https://legalsolutionslawfirm.ca/spousal-support-eligibility-wizard?embed=1" style="width:100%;max-width:480px;border:0;min-height:680px;" title="Spousal Support Eligibility Wizard" loading="lazy"></iframe>
<p style="font:12px/1.4 -apple-system,sans-serif;text-align:center;margin:6px 0 0;">
<a href="https://legalsolutionslawfirm.ca/spousal-support-eligibility-wizard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Powered by Legal Solutions Law Firm</a>
</p>