Wise Law Blog: Wise Law’s Family #LawFact of the Day: Spousal Support in Ontario

To determine entitlements to spousal support, Ontario courts consider the financial means of both spouses, the length of their marriage, and any economic disadvantage experienced by a spouse as a result of the marriage.

Also relevant is any significant disparity between the incomes of the spouses, the goal of encouraging economic self-sufficiency, and several other important factors. 

Common law spouses may have entitlements to spousal support on separation, if they have cohabited for at least 3 years or if they have children and have been in a relationship of some permanents.