Alimony Lawyers in Toronto

Helping You Get the Spousal Support You Deserve

Many people are under the misconception that alimony payments are only a factor in high-asset divorces or situations where one parent has been a stay-at-home parent while the other worked. But the truth is that many different types of situations qualify for alimony payments, and it’s important to know if yours is one of them. Whether you are the party paying or receiving the payments, alimony can be a significant point of negotiation in divorces.

If you have questions about alimony payments, we’re standing by to help. You can call our office today to schedule a consultation where we can go over your situation and see if alimony may be a factor. Our Toronto alimony lawyers can help you understand the next steps and what to do if you’re entitled to alimony or have to pay.

What Is the Difference Between Alimony and Spousal Support?

You may have heard people use the terms alimony and spousal support and wonder if there is a difference between the two. Legally, alimony and spousal support are the same things. However, some people refer to alimony as spousal support payments that are going to continue indefinitely and spousal support as payments that have a defined term. You may also hear these payments referred to as maintenance payments.

Who Can Get Alimony Payments?

Either spouse is able to get alimony if the courts believe that the situation qualifies. In order to get spousal support, the couple must have been married or have lived together for at least 3 years. If the parties aren’t married but had a child together during a serious relationship, this situation can also apply. In general, the spouse receiving the payments will need to show that the divorce has left them with a financial burden that requires support payments and that they are unable to provide for themselves.

How Is Alimony Calculated?

Alimony is calculated based on the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines for Ontario. This is a long document outlining how alimony works in Ontario, including who is eligible, how payments are calculated, and what the parties have to show to be able to be awarded alimony. Alimony payments are based on a variety of factors, including the income of both parties, what responsibilities and roles each served during the relationship, the party’s ability to support themselves, and whether there are children involved.

How Long Does Alimony Last?

In Ontario, the guidelines for the length of time one party pays another alimony are based on how long the relationship lasted. For relationships that lasted less than 25 years, the courts generally award alimony payments for a term equal to between half the length of the marriage to equal to the length of the marriage. As an example, someone who has been married for 10 years might expect to pay alimony payments for 5-10 years. For couples married longer than 25 years, the court has the option to award lifetime alimony payments.

How Can An Alimony Lawyer Help?

Alimony can be a confusing aspect of family law for many people simply because it’s one that doesn’t apply to every situation and people aren’t as familiar with it. Talking with an alimony lawyer about whether you may be entitled to alimony payments and how that can help you financially after the divorce is an important first step. If you find out that you may be able to receive alimony payments, an alimony lawyer can help you determine an amount to start negotiations with and can argue your case before the courts if the other party doesn’t want to pay. A family law lawyer can also help you see how alimony fits into the larger divorce settlement to ensure your interests are protected.

Alimony payments can make a big difference when you are trying to establish yourself financially after a divorce. It can give you some time to get back on your feet and find a job that lets you support yourself. If you’re not sure whether you may be entitled to alimony payments, call 647-933-2397 to talk with one of our Toronto alimony lawyers.