This is a very complex question that depends on a variety of factors. The most important factors for the determination of spousal support will be as follows:
- the incomes of the parties;
- the length of the parties’ relationship and
- the roles each party played within the relationship
Other factors include the age of the support recipient at separation, whether there was a marriage contract signed which included spousal support and whether there were any special circumstances that occurred during the relationship that create an entitlement or disentitlement to support.
Spouses will typically be entitled to spousal support where there is a significant disparity between the parties’ incomes and the parties have cohabitated for at least 5 years. Support typically lasts between 50-100% of the length of the marriage and may last indefinitely it the parties have been married for 20 years or more.
