Spousal Support Calculator

How Spousal Support Is Calculated in Canada

Unlike child support, spousal support in Canada is not determined by a simple lookup table. Instead, courts use the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) — a set of formulas that produce ranges for both the amount and duration of support. The SSAG are advisory, not mandatory, but courts rely on them heavily to achieve consistency.

There are two formulas: the Without Child Support formula (used when there are no dependent children) and the With Child Support formula (used when child support is also being paid). The key variables are the income difference between the spouses and the length of the marriage or cohabitation. Longer relationships generate higher and longer-duration support obligations.

ℹ️

Entitlement to spousal support must be established first — not every spouse qualifies. The three legal grounds are compensatory (career sacrifice), non-compensatory (economic hardship), and contractual. This calculator estimates amount only. Duration and entitlement require legal analysis.

SSAG Without Child Support Formula

Without Child Formula:
  Low: (1.5% to 2%) x years together x income difference
  High: (2% to 3%) x years together x income difference

Duration Range:
  Low: 0.5 x years of relationship
  High: 1.0 x years of relationship

Worked Example

Higher-income spouse gross income: $120,000/year

Lower-income spouse gross income: $42,000/year

Income difference: $78,000/year

Length of marriage: 12 years

Low end: 1.5% x 12 x $78,000 = $14,040/year = $1,170/month

High end: 2% x 12 x $78,000 = $18,720/year = $1,560/month

Duration range: 6 to 12 years

Result

Spousal support range: $1,170 - $1,560/month for 6-12 years

Factors Courts Consider Beyond the Formula

Factor	Impact	Details
Length of marriage	Longer = higher and longer support	Marriages under 5 years rarely generate support; 20+ years may be indefinite
Income disparity	Larger gap = higher support	The formula is based on the gross income difference between spouses
Career sacrifice	Working spouse may owe more	Pausing career for childcare creates compensatory entitlement
Age at separation	Older recipients get longer duration	Limited time to re-establish career; courts recognize this
Ability to become self-sufficient	Affects duration more than amount	Education, health, and job market access are assessed
Standard of living during marriage	Affects expectations	Courts consider lifestyle established during the relationship

Common Spousal Support Mistakes

⚠️

Confusing gross and net incomeThe SSAG formulas use gross income. Using after-tax income produces significantly lower estimates and understates the obligation.

⚠️

Ignoring the With Child Support formulaWhen child support is also paid, the spousal support formula changes completely. Using the Without Child formula in this situation gives wrong results.

⚠️

Treating SSAG ranges as fixedThe SSAG produce a range, not a fixed number. Where within that range the amount lands depends on circumstances — courts have discretion, and so do negotiating parties.

⚠️

Forgetting that spousal support is taxableSpousal support payments are deductible for the payor and taxable income for the recipient in Canada. This tax treatment significantly affects the real cost and benefit of any support amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG)?

The SSAG are advisory (non-binding) guidelines developed by Canadian family law scholars. They provide formulas for calculating the amount and duration of spousal support under the Divorce Act. Courts frequently use them as a starting point but retain discretion to depart from them.

Is spousal support mandatory in Canada?

No — entitlement must first be established on compensatory, non-compensatory, or contractual grounds. Once entitlement is established, the SSAG guides the amount and duration.

How does having children affect spousal support?

When there are children, the SSAG with-child formula applies. It interacts with child support and often results in higher spousal support amounts. Child support is always calculated first.

Can spousal support be changed after it is ordered?

Yes. A material change in circumstances — retirement, significant income change, new cohabitation, or health issues — can justify an application to vary the amount or duration.

How Spousal Support Is Calculated in Canada

Worked Example

Factors Courts Consider Beyond the Formula

Common Spousal Support Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Related calculators

Want a full AI & SEO audit of your law firm?

Book a Free Strategy Call

Spousal Support Calculator

How Spousal Support Is Calculated in Canada

Worked Example

Factors Courts Consider Beyond the Formula

Common Spousal Support Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Related calculators

Want a full AI & SEO audit of your law firm?

Embed this calculator