How is spousal support calculated in Ontario?

Ontario courts use the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) to calculate support. The amount typically ranges from 1.5% to 2% of the income difference per year of cohabitation (without children formula). Duration ranges from 0.5 to 1 year per year of cohabitation. Actual amounts depend on income, length of marriage, childcare, and other factors. Always consult a family lawyer for your specific situation.

How long does spousal support last in Ontario?

Under SSAG, duration ranges from 0.5 to 1 year per year of cohabitation (without dependent children). For marriages of 20+ years or where the length of marriage equals the payor's age, support may be indefinite (reviewable). With dependent children, support typically continues until children are independent.

Is spousal support taxable in Canada?

Yes. The recipient must include spousal support in their taxable income. The payor can deduct the payments from their taxable income, provided the payments are made pursuant to a written separation agreement or court order. Child support is not taxable.

Ontario Spousal Support Calculator 2026

⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate only based on the SSAG without-child formula. Spousal support is highly fact-specific. Courts have wide discretion. Always consult a licensed family law lawyer before making decisions.

Payor's Gross Annual Income ($)

Higher-earning spouse (who pays)

Recipient's Gross Annual Income ($)

Lower-earning spouse (who receives)

Years of Cohabitation

From start of living together to separation

Dependent Children?

Tax Province

⚖️ SSAG Spousal Support Estimate

Payor's Annual Income

Recipient's Annual Income

Income Difference

Years of Cohabitation

Monthly Support — Low End

Monthly Support — Mid Range

Monthly Support — High End

Duration — Low End

Duration — High End

Indefinite Support?

Tax Impact (Approximate)

Payor's Tax Saving (annual deduction)

Recipient's Tax Cost (annual income)

This estimate uses the SSAG without-child formula: 1.5–2% of income difference per year of cohabitation. With children, amounts differ significantly. Duration is 0.5–1 year per year of cohabitation. These are advisory ranges — courts have full discretion.

How Spousal Support Works in Ontario

Who Qualifies?

Either spouse may be entitled to support after a marriage or common-law relationship of some duration. Entitlement can be compensatory (career sacrifice), non-compensatory (need), or contractual.

SSAG Formulas

Without children: 1.5–2% of income difference × years cohabited per year. With children: Calculated after child support, based on net disposable income sharing (40–46%).

Tax Treatment

Spousal support is deductible by the payor and taxable to the recipient when paid under a written agreement or court order. Child support has opposite treatment (not deductible/taxable).

Important: SSAG are advisory only. Ontario courts consider many factors: length of marriage, economic self-sufficiency, childcare arrangements, health, and ability to pay. Outcomes vary widely. Get a lawyer.

Ontario Spousal Support Calculator 2026

How Spousal Support Works in Ontario

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