More topics

What is spousal support?

Last updated on August 1, 2024

Spousal support is paid by one spouse to financially support the other spouse after separation, under an agreement or order.

The purpose of spousal support is to help meet the on-going financial needs of a financially dependent spouse for a defined period of time.

The objectives of spousal support are to:

  • Deal with any economic advantages or disadvantages a spouse may face as a result of the relationship or separation
  • Share the financial consequences arising from care of the children
  • Reduce the financial hardship a spouse will experience as a result of the separation, and
  • Encourage each spouse to become financially self-sufficient within a reasonable period of time

For more information, please see Spousal support on Legal Aid BC's Family Law in BC website.

 

Check out these resources from Legal Aid BC:

Visit a Justice Access Centre:

Talk with a family justice counsellor at a Family Justice Centre.

British Columbia has a central authority that assists left-behind parents whose children have been abducted across international borders. For more information, including contact information, please see International Child Abduction.