Spousal support in British Columbia: What to Expect
In British Columbia, spousal support may be awarded to help a lower-earning spouse maintain a reasonable standard of living after divorce. The amount and duration depend on multiple factors.
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Talk to AI AdvisorHow Spousal support Works in British Columbia
- ✓Called "spousal support" in British Columbia
- ✓Not automatic — must be requested and justified
- ✓Can be temporary (during proceedings) or post-divorce
- ✓Amount depends on both spouses' incomes and needs
- ✓Duration often linked to length of marriage
- ✓Can be paid as regular payments or a lump sum
Factors Courts Consider
- ✓Length of the marriage
- ✓Each spouse's income and earning capacity
- ✓Standard of living during the marriage
- ✓Age and health of both spouses
- ✓Contributions to the marriage (including homemaking and childcare)
- ✓Time needed for the lower-earning spouse to become self-supporting
- ✓Financial resources after property division
When Support Typically Ends
- ✓The court-ordered end date is reached
- ✓The recipient becomes self-supporting
- ✓The recipient remarries or enters a new partnership (varies by jurisdiction)
- ✓Either spouse dies
- ✓Significant change in circumstances (may trigger modification)
- ✓The paying spouse retires (may trigger review)
Every situation is different
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Legal Disclaimer: This article covers British Columbia, Canada divorce law for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified family law attorney or solicitor in British Columbia, Canada for advice specific to your situation.