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Calculator · British Columbia

BC spousal support calculator.

A Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) 'without child support' range estimator for British Columbia — amount and duration.

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SSAG range · without child support

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Enter payor income greater than recipient income to see a range.

SSAG "without children" estimate only. "With child support" cases, high-income payors, entitlement disputes, and re-partnering all shift the range. Not legal advice.

Entitlement comes first

Before the SSAG range matters, a court has to find that the recipient is entitled to support — on a compensatory basis (economic disadvantage from the roles taken during the relationship), a non-compensatory basis (need), or under a contract. The calculator assumes entitlement.

The "without children" formula

Where there are no dependent children, the SSAG amount is 1.5–2% of the gross income difference for each year of cohabitation, capped at 50%. Duration is 0.5–1 year per year of cohabitation. After 20 years — or where age plus years reaches 65 — support is generally indefinite.

The "with children" formula is different

Where there are dependent children, the SSAG uses net-income disposable calculations that intersect with child support. This calculator does not model that formula; if children are involved, a lawyer's SSAG report is the right tool.

When the range is wrong

The SSAG produces ranges, not answers. Second families, disability, unusual economic advantage or disadvantage, and short marriages with a compensatory claim can all justify moving above or below the range. The number your file settles at is a negotiation, informed by these guidelines.

Common questions

Frequently asked.

Are the SSAGs law?
No. The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines are non-binding, but Canadian courts including the BC Supreme Court and Court of Appeal use them as the starting point in almost every case. Departures happen but must be justified.
Why doesn't this calculator handle 'with child support' cases?
The 'with children' SSAG formula depends on the child support table amount, tax credits, and net-income disposable calculations that need proper software. For 'with children' cases, a lawyer's report using DivorceMate or ChildView is the appropriate tool.
How is duration calculated?
The 'without children' formula gives a duration range of 0.5 to 1 year per year of cohabitation. After 20 years of cohabitation, or if the age plus years-of-relationship reaches 65 (the 'rule of 65'), support is typically indefinite.
What income should I use?
Use each spouse's annual gross income. Where a spouse is under-employed, income may be imputed. Where a spouse owns a corporation, retained earnings and non-arm's-length salaries may adjust the number.
Is this legal advice?
No — this is a general estimate. The final amount and duration depend on the length of the relationship, roles during the marriage, disability, self-sufficiency, and many other factors under s. 15.2 and 17 of the Divorce Act and s. 160–166 of the BC Family Law Act.

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Book a Strategy SessionCall 604 695 8486