Tools

Spousal Support Estimator (Ontario)

Enter each spouse's income and the length of the relationship to get an educational range estimate for spousal support, informed by the general shape of the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG).

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BA, JD Site Managed by Ryan Manilla
15+ yrs At Ontario Bar

This tool provides an informational estimate only, not legal advice. It does not produce a binding legal result, replace advice from a qualified lawyer, guarantee what a court might order, or create a legally enforceable agreement. Your real situation may involve factors this tool cannot account for.

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About This Tool

This estimator gives a general, educational range for spousal support, based on the SSAG's general approach of considering income difference and the length of the relationship.

The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines themselves are informal and advisory — they are not legislation, and no court is required to follow them — though they are widely referenced in practice.

This tool cannot account for entitlement (whether spousal support applies at all), non-compensatory needs, tax treatment, or many other case-specific factors. See the guides linked below for the fuller picture.

Highly searched questions

Frequently Asked Questions About the Spousal Support Estimator

Answers to the questions people ask most often about this tool — general information only, not legal advice.

01 What are the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG)?

The SSAG are a widely-referenced framework that suggests a range for spousal support amount and duration, generally based on income difference and the length of the relationship. See Spousal Support in Ontario: A Plain-Language Guide.

02 Are the SSAG legally binding?

No — they are informal and advisory, not legislation. No court is required to follow them, though they are widely used in practice as a starting reference point.

03 What factors generally go into the SSAG range?

The two formulas behind the SSAG generally weigh the income difference between spouses and the length of the relationship (and, under one formula, the ages of any children). See Spousal Support Calculations.

04 Does this estimator confirm that I'm entitled to support?

No. This tool assumes entitlement and estimates a possible range only. For the separate question of entitlement, use the Spousal Support Assessment Wizard first.

05 How long does spousal support usually last?

Duration varies widely based on the length of the relationship and other factors — the SSAG suggest a range, but real outcomes depend on the specific facts and can be time-limited, reviewable, or indefinite.

06 Does child support affect the spousal support estimate?

Yes — under the SSAG, child support is generally deducted from income before the spousal support range is calculated, since child support takes priority.

07 Can spousal support change after it's ordered or agreed to?

Yes — support can generally be revisited if there's a material change in circumstances, such as a significant income change. See Changing Support.

08 Does this estimator account for tax treatment?

No — this tool gives a pre-tax estimate only. Tax treatment can meaningfully affect the real value of a support arrangement and is worth discussing with a lawyer or accountant.

09 Is spousal support taxable?

Periodic spousal support payments are generally taxable to the person receiving them and deductible for the person paying them, unlike child support, which is not. Lump-sum support is often treated differently — a lawyer or accountant can confirm how this applies to you.

10 What should I do after getting my estimate?

Treat the range as a general starting point for discussion, not a guaranteed outcome. See Spousal Support for the fuller guides, or speak with a family lawyer.

Free Consultation Available
BA, JD Site Managed by Ryan Manilla
15+ yrs At Ontario Bar
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