Spousal Support BC
Are you concerned about BC spousal support payments? Our spousal support lawyers in Vancouver can determine whether your financial situation qualifies for support, and if needed, help you negotiate a fair settlement to maintain financial stability.
BC Spousal Support
Spousal support claims can arise in both married and common-law couples. They are neither an automatic obligation nor the right of a spouse.
Spousal support obligations may arise in one or more of the following situations:
- Contractual: Both parties have entered into a contract for spousal support.
- Compensatory: Upon relationship breakdown, spouses should equitably share the economic consequences of the relationship and its breakdown, including where one spouse has foregone career opportunities for the family, or one spouse has increased income-earning capacity as a result of roles assumed during the relationship.
- Non-Compensatory: A spouse has needs and the other has the means to meet those needs. According to the social obligation model of marriage, the burden of meeting the needs of a disadvantaged spouse falls on the other spouse and not the public.
The courts are required to consider, but not necessarily follow, the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines in determining the amount and length of support. Spousal support sums are unique to each case.