Consider a spouse earning $120,000 whose partner earns $40,000, after 12 years of marriage. The guideline range is $1,200 to $1,600 a month for six to twelve years. If two dependent children live with the lower earner, the with-child formula gives about $124 to $1,000 a month. These are guidelines, not orders.
What the guidelines are
The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) come from the Department of Justice Canada. They aren’t law. Lawyers and courts treat them as a starting point, and many agreements land inside their ranges. The calculator returns a low and a high figure, for both amount and duration.
Without children
If no dependent children are involved, support runs from 1.5% to 2% of the gross income difference for each year of marriage, reaching 37.5% to 50% at 25 years. In the example the gap is $80,000. Twelve years gives 18% to 24%, or $14,400 to $19,200 a year.
How long it lasts
Duration is half a year to one year per year of marriage, so six to twelve years here. There is no fixed end date when the marriage lasted 20 years or more. The same holds if the marriage lasted five years or more and the years together plus the recipient’s age at separation reach 65.
With dependent children
Where children live with the lower earner, child support comes first. The guidelines then look at what each spouse has left after tax, benefits and child support. Spousal support is set so the recipient keeps 40% to 46% of the combined amount. The calculator works through it in steps.
Notional child support
To be fair to both sides, the guidelines subtract a notional child support amount from the recipient’s income, taken from the table. The recipient’s benefits, such as the Canada Child Benefit, are added back. These steps rely on the tax and benefit rules in this site’s other calculators.
Ceilings, floors and tax
The guidelines cover a paying spouse’s income from $20,000 up to $350,000. Below $20,000, no support is suggested. Above $350,000, the formula is treated as an exception, and a lawyer can advise on the amount. The calculator warns you when that happens. Support is deductible for the payer and taxable for the recipient when it meets the rules, which changes both after-tax incomes. Property division, needs and fairness can also pull an outcome away from the range. This is information, not legal advice.
Reading the with-child result
At the low figure the recipient holds 40% of the combined net income, and at the high figure 46%. If the recipient already keeps a big share through earnings and benefits, the low end can be small or zero. Lower earners with children often see a wide range for that reason.
Where to get advice
A family lawyer can explain how the guidelines fit your facts. Many communities have family law information centres and duty counsel offering free or low-cost help. A mediator can also help you settle on a number inside the range without going to court.
Where to go next
Child support has its own child support calculator. Tax effects show up in the income tax calculator. To plan money after separation, use the monthly budget calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines?
Guidelines from Justice Canada that give a range for amount and duration of spousal support.
How is support worked out without children?
1.5% to 2% of the income difference for each year of marriage, up to 50%.
How long does spousal support last?
Half a year to one year for each year of marriage, unless it is indefinite.
What is the rule of 65?
Support has no set end date when the years of marriage plus the recipient's age reach 65, after five years.
What changes with children?
The recipient keeps 40% to 46% of combined net disposable income after child support.
Are the guidelines law?
No. They guide courts and negotiations.
Sources and updates
- Justice Canada: SSAG Revised User's Guide, chapter 7
- Justice Canada: SSAG Revised User's Guide, chapter 8
Last reviewed: . Full disclaimer. How we build calculators. Editorial policy.
Estimate only. This calculator gives general information for planning. It is not tax, legal or financial advice, and it is not affiliated with the City of Toronto, MPAC or the Canada Revenue Agency. Results depend on the numbers you enter and may differ from official amounts. Check official sources or a qualified professional before you decide.