Based on the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG). Enter your details below to see an estimated monthly support range. This is an estimator only — not legal advice.
The with-children formula is more complex — our free consultation provides a personalised estimate.
Estimates update in real time after first calculation.
Fill in the incomes and years together on the left, then press
Support is typically payable by the higher-earning spouse. Please check which spouse earns more.
This estimator uses the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines without-children formula for illustration only. SSAG amounts are not automatic — courts apply discretion. Amounts may vary significantly in your situation. This is not legal advice.
Every situation is unique. A lawyer can apply all the SSAG factors to your case.
The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines provide a structured framework. Here is how each component of the without-children formula is calculated.
Spousal Support in BC — Common Questions
Answers based on BC family law and the Divorce Act.
Estimate child support using the Federal Child Support Guidelines.
What goes into a legally sound separation agreement.
Separation, estate planning, and court day checklists.
Every spousal support case is unique. Our family lawyers apply the full SSAG analysis — including discretionary factors — to give you an accurate picture.
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The amount depends on both spouses' incomes and the length of the relationship. For example, if the payor earns $100,000/year and the recipient earns $40,000/year after a 10-year marriage, the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) typically produce a range of roughly $1,200–$1,600/month. Use the calculator above to get your personalized estimate. The actual amount ordered by a court or agreed in a separation agreement depends on entitlement, need, and the specific circumstances of your relationship.
Courts use the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG), which produce a low, mid, and high monthly range based on the income difference between spouses and the length of the relationship. The 'without children' formula applies when there are no children or child support obligations. The 'with children' formula applies when child support is also being paid, and produces higher amounts. Judges have discretion to depart from the guidelines in exceptional cases.
Not automatically — entitlement must be established first. BC courts look at three grounds: compensatory (you suffered economic disadvantage because of the relationship, such as leaving your career to raise children), non-compensatory (you have genuine financial need), and contractual (your separation agreement provides for it). Common-law spouses who lived together for at least 2 years are also entitled to claim spousal support in BC.
Duration depends on the length of your relationship. The SSAG without-children formula produces 0.5 to 1 year of support for each year of the relationship — so a 10-year marriage typically produces 5–10 years of support. After 20 years together, support may be indefinite. With children, duration often extends until the youngest child finishes school. Courts can order shorter or longer periods based on your specific circumstances.
Does a common law spouse get spousal support in BC?
Yes. In BC, common law spouses who lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least 2 years have the same right to claim spousal support as married spouses. The same SSAG guidelines apply. The length of cohabitation is calculated from when the relationship became marriage-like — not just from when you moved in together.
Yes — spousal support has tax consequences that child support does not. For court-ordered or written-agreement support: the payor can deduct payments from their taxable income, and the recipient must claim payments as taxable income. This tax treatment means a support amount that looks affordable to the payor is actually worth more net to the recipient — and must be factored into your calculation.
Can spousal support be varied or stopped after it is set?
Yes. Either spouse can apply to court to vary or terminate support if there is a material change in circumstances — such as a significant income change for either party, the recipient remarrying or moving in with a new partner, or the recipient becoming self-sufficient. A written separation agreement can also be varied if both parties consent in writing, or by court order if circumstances have changed significantly.
Higher support is more likely when: the relationship was long, the income gap is large, one spouse left their career to raise children or support the other's career, the recipient has health issues limiting their ability to work, the standard of living during the relationship was high, or one spouse relocated for the other's job. Courts also consider how quickly the recipient can reasonably become self-sufficient.
Can we agree on spousal support without going to court?
Yes — and most BC couples do. A separation agreement can set the amount, duration, indexing, and review terms for spousal support. Both parties must obtain independent legal advice before signing for the agreement to be enforceable. A properly drafted agreement avoids court, saves money, and gives both parties certainty. It can later be filed with the court to make it enforceable as a court order if needed.
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Spousal Support Calculator BC — Amount & Duration | Sea to Sky Law
How much spousal support will you get in BC? Use our free SSAG calculator to estimate your monthly range and duration. Covers common law, tax treatment & entitlement in BC.
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Standard of living enjoyed during the relationship
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