How long does spousal support last in Canada?
Under the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) without-child-support formula, duration ranges from 0.5 to 1 year of support for each year of cohabitation. Support becomes indefinite (no fixed end date, but reviewable) when the marriage lasted 20 years or more, or when the years of marriage plus the support recipient's age at separation equals 65 or more — the 'Rule of 65'.
How much spousal support will I pay in Canada?
Under the SSAG without-child-support formula, the amount ranges from 1.5% to 2% of the gross income difference between spouses for each year of cohabitation, up to a maximum of 50% of the income gap. For example, a $60,000 income gap after a 10-year marriage yields roughly 15%–20% of that gap. Amount and duration are linked — higher amounts often mean shorter durations.
Are the SSAG binding on courts?
No. The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines are advisory, not legislated like the Federal Child Support Guidelines. However, courts across Canada rely on them heavily, and awards outside the SSAG ranges usually require specific justification. They set expectations for negotiation and litigation.
What is the 'Rule of 65'?
The Rule of 65 is an SSAG exception for indefinite support: if the years of marriage plus the recipient's age at the date of separation total 65 or more, support may be indefinite even if the marriage lasted under 20 years. It recognizes that older spouses after medium-length marriages have limited ability to become self-sufficient.