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What “Indefinite” Spousal Support Actually Means
Seeing the word “indefinite” in a spousal support calculation can be unsettling. A payor may read it as meaning support will continue for life. A recipient may assume it guarantees support permanently. Neither interpretation is quite right. Under the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAGs), “indefinite” is more accurately described as “indefinite (duration not specified).” It means that no specific end date is being set at that point. It does not necessarily mean permanen
9 hours ago9 min read
How Long Does Spousal Support Last in Ontario?
If spousal support is being discussed as part of your separation, knowing the monthly amount is only part of the financial picture. You also need to understand how long the payments may continue. There is no single rule that determines the duration of spousal support in every Ontario case. Depending on the circumstances, support may be payable for a defined period of time or may be described as “indefinite (duration not specified).” The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SS
2 days ago8 min read
The Tax Treatment of Spousal Support: Periodic Payments vs. Lump Sum
If spousal support is part of your separation, the amount written into an agreement is not necessarily the same as the amount either spouse ultimately experiences after tax. In Canada, periodic spousal support is generally deductible to the payor and taxable to the recipient when it meets the applicable tax requirements. A lump-sum payment made to settle future support obligations is generally treated differently: it is usually not deductible to the payor and is not included
5 days ago8 min read
How Spousal Support Is Calculated in Ontario?
If you are separating and there is a significant difference between your income and your spouse's income, spousal support is likely one of the first financial questions you have. How much will you have to pay? How much might you receive? And how long could support continue? In Ontario, there is no single fixed percentage or simple table that determines spousal support in every case. The analysis generally involves three separate questions: entitlement, amount and duration. If
5 days ago9 min read
Why the Spousal Support Guidelines Give You a Range, Not a Number
If you have used a spousal support calculator in Ontario, you may have expected it to give you one monthly amount. Instead, you may have seen three figures: low, mid and high. So which one is correct? The answer is that the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAGs) are designed to produce a range rather than one mandatory number. That range gives lawyers, spouses and courts room to consider the circumstances of the particular relationship before determining an appropriate a
7 days ago8 min read
Compensatory, Needs-Based, or Contractual: The Three Grounds for Spousal Support
Spousal support in Ontario can be based on compensatory, needs-based, or contractual grounds. Learn what each one means and how the basis of a claim can affect support after separation.
Sep 83 min read
Documents and Information to Gather in the First Month of Separation
by: Amanda Willing One of the things people often tell me after they separate is, "I don't even know where to start." I get it. You're trying to process a major life change while still going to work, taking care of your children, paying the bills, and figuring out what tomorrow looks like. The idea of digging through paperwork probably isn't high on your list. But here's why I still encourage clients to do it. The first month after separation isn't about having every answer.
Jul 183 min read
Mortgage Defaults and Power of Sale: What Ontario Homeowners Need to Know
Most people don't expect to fall behind on their mortgage. Life happens. A job loss, an illness, rising interest rates, or unexpected expenses can quickly turn manageable monthly payments into a source of stress. If you've missed a mortgage payment—or you're worried you might—it's easy to assume you'll lose your home right away. Fortunately, that's not how the process works in Ontario. While mortgage default is a serious issue, homeowners often have time to understand their o
Jul 163 min read
The Early Separation Mistakes That Cost Ontarians the Most
When someone walks into my office shortly after separating, they almost always ask the same question: "Am I already too late?" Maybe they've moved out. Maybe they've transferred money between accounts. Maybe they've agreed to something just to keep the peace. They're worried they've already made a mistake. Most of the time, my answer is reassuring. The first few weeks after a separation are emotional. You're making decisions while trying to process one of the biggest changes
Jul 153 min read
How to Prepare for Mortgage Approval
By: Amanda Willing Buying a home is exciting, but for many buyers, the mortgage approval process can feel like one of the most stressful parts of the journey. I've had clients tell me they spent months searching for the perfect home, only to realize they weren't quite ready when it came time to secure financing. The good news is that preparing for mortgage approval isn't about being perfect. It's about understanding what lenders are looking for and taking a few practical step
Jul 143 min read
Your First 30 Days After Separation: What to Do and What Not to Do
By: Amanda Willing The first month after a separation is rarely what people expect. One day you're trying to hold it together for your children or get through another day at work. The next, you're wondering what happens to the house, how you're going to manage your finances, whether you should open a new bank account, or if you're already supposed to be filing for divorce. It's a lot to carry. When someone comes to see me in those first few weeks, they're usually looking for
Jul 134 min read
How the Separation Date Affects How Your Property Is Divided Introduction
By: Amanda Willing One of the biggest concerns people have when they're separating is their property. Usually, one of the first questions I hear is: "What's going to happen to the house?" Not long after that comes another question: "Does it matter when we actually separated?" The answer is yes. Your separation date isn't just a date you'll need for paperwork. It can affect how property is valued and divided under Ontario family law. That's why it's one of the first things I l
Jul 104 min read
What Mortgage Lenders Really Look At
By: Amanda Willing One of the things I hear quite often from homebuyers is: "I think I'll qualify because I make a good income." A steady income is certainly important, but it's only one part of the picture. Mortgage lenders are looking at much more than your paycheque. They want to understand your overall financial situation and whether you'll be able to manage your mortgage comfortably over time. I've seen buyers spend months searching for the perfect home, only to discover
Jul 93 min read
How Your Separation Date Is Determined in Ontario
By: Amanda Willing When people come to see me after a separation, one of the first questions I ask is: "When did you separate?" It sounds like it should be an easy question. But it often isn't. I've had people tell me they aren't sure if it was when one person moved into the spare bedroom, when someone finally moved out, or when they both accepted that the marriage was over. The truth is, those moments don't always happen on the same day. That's why your separation date isn't
Jul 83 min read
Fixed vs. Variable Rate Mortgages: Which Is Right for You?
By: Amanda Willing If you're buying a home, you've probably heard plenty of opinions about mortgages. "Go with a fixed rate." "No, variable is the better choice." "Wait until interest rates come down." It's no wonder so many buyers feel unsure about what to do. One of the questions I hear most often is, "How do I know which mortgage is right for me?" The truth is, there isn't one answer that works for everyone. The right mortgage depends on your financial situation, your long
Jul 73 min read
The Separation Date: Why It Matters More Than You Think
By: Amanda Willing "When did you separate?" It's one of the first questions I ask every new family law client. Most people answer with something like: "I think it was when I moved out." Or... "We've been separated for a while...I'm just not exactly sure when it officially started." If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. People are often surprised when I tell them the answer isn't always as straightforward as they expect. The separation date isn't simply a date you write o
Jul 64 min read
The First Legal Rights You Have the Day You Separate
By: Amanda Willing Separation changes more than your relationship—it changes your legal rights. The day you separate can feel overwhelming. One moment you're trying to process the emotional impact of your relationship ending. The next, you're wondering what happens to the house, the bank accounts, the children, and your finances. One of the questions I hear most often is: "What are my rights now that we've separated?" The good news is that you don't have to have everything fi
Jul 34 min read
Understanding Your Mortgage: A Plain-Language Guide for Ontario Buyers
By: Amanda Willing Buying a home is exciting. Signing a mortgage can feel overwhelming. After weeks—sometimes months—of house hunting, negotiating an offer, arranging financing, and preparing for closing, many buyers reach one final hurdle: A stack of mortgage documents they don't fully understand. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. For most Ontarians, a mortgage is the largest financial commitment they'll ever make. Yet many buyers know surprisingly little about how
Jul 34 min read
Do You Have to Live Apart to Be Separated in Ontario?
By: Amanda Willing You don't always have to move out to be considered separated. One of the most common questions people ask when they're thinking about separation is: "Do we have to live in different houses before we're legally separated?" The answer often surprises people. Not necessarily. In Ontario, it's possible for spouses to be considered separated even if they're still living under the same roof. For many families, moving out immediately simply isn't practical. Financ
Jul 14 min read
What to Expect on Closing Day
By: Amanda Willing After weeks—or even months—of searching for a home, negotiating an offer, securing financing, and completing the legal paperwork, closing day marks the final step in the home-buying process. While it's an exciting milestone, many buyers are unsure what actually happens on closing day. Understanding the process can help reduce stress and ensure you're prepared for a smooth transition into your new home. Before Closing Day Much of the work happens before the
Jun 302 min read
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