Spousal support, calibrated to your situation.

Spousal support is one of the most fact-sensitive areas of family law. Two files with similar-looking incomes can produce very different outcomes depending on the length of the relationship, the role each spouse played, and whether child support is also in play.

Three ways to establish entitlement

A claim for spousal support must be grounded in compensatory factors (economic disadvantage from the relationship or the roles adopted during it), non-compensatory factors (need arising from separation), or a contractual basis (a written agreement). Entitlement is the threshold — without it, the SSAGs never come into play.

Amount and duration under the SSAGs

The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines produce a range for both amount and duration. The formulas differ depending on whether the couple has dependent children (the "with-child support formula") or not (the "without-child support formula"). BC courts consistently reference the SSAGs, though the ranges remain advisory.

Negotiation, mediation, and court

Most spousal support outcomes are negotiated. Where the parties cannot agree, Dana litigates — including interim applications, trials, and variations on material change.