Spousal Support
SSAG Spousal Support
Advisory Guidelines Calculator
The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) provide a framework for calculating spousal support amounts and duration in Canada. While advisory (not mandatory), they are widely used by courts across all common-law provinces.
Unlike the Federal Child Support Guidelines, the SSAG provides ranges (low to high) that are advisory. Courts have discretion to order amounts outside these ranges, but most orders fall within SSAG ranges.
The Two SSAG Formulas
SSAG uses different formulas depending on whether there are dependent children.
Without Child Support Formula
Used when there are no dependent children requiring child support:
- Amount: 1.5% to 2% of income difference per year of marriage
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 year per year of marriage
- Long marriage (20+ years): May be indefinite
- Rule of 65: Age + years of marriage = 65 may trigger indefinite
Example Calculation
10-year marriage, Payor earns $100,000, Recipient earns $40,000
Income difference: $60,000
Amount range: 15%-20% = $9,000-$12,000/year ($750-$1,000/month)
Duration range: 5-10 years
Income difference: $60,000
Amount range: 15%-20% = $9,000-$12,000/year ($750-$1,000/month)
Duration range: 5-10 years
With Child Support Formula
Used when there are dependent children:
- Individual Net Disposable Income (INDI) calculation
- Both parents' incomes considered
- Child support is factored in first
- Duration often tied to when youngest child finishes school
- More complex calculation than without-child formula
Key Difference: The with-child formula focuses on equalizing the Individual Net Disposable Income (INDI) of both households, accounting for children's costs.
SSAG Range Examples
Typical SSAG ranges based on common scenarios. Actual calculations require detailed analysis.
| Scenario | Duration Range | Amount Range |
|---|---|---|
| Short marriage (5 years), no children | 2.5-5 years | 7.5%-10% of income diff |
| Medium marriage (10 years), no children | 5-10 years | 15%-20% of income diff |
| Long marriage (20+ years), no children | Indefinite possible | 30%-40% of income diff |
| With dependent children | Based on child age | Complex formula applies |
Duration Guidelines
SSAG provides duration ranges based on relationship length:
- Short marriages (0-5 years): Support equals 0.5-1x years together
- Medium marriages (5-20 years): Support equals 0.5-1x years together
- Long marriages (20+ years): Often indefinite support
- Rule of 65: Age + years together = 65+ may mean indefinite
- With children: Duration often until youngest finishes school
Restructuring Options
SSAG amounts and duration can be restructured while maintaining the same total value:
- Front-loading: Higher payments for shorter time
- Lump sum: One-time payment instead of monthly
- Back-loading: Lower initial, higher later
- Stepped: Decreasing payments over time
Restructuring is useful for clean breaks or when circumstances will change predictably.
SSAG Exceptions
Courts may order outside SSAG ranges in certain circumstances.
Compensatory Exception
When one spouse made significant career sacrifices for the family, higher support may be appropriate.
Illness/Disability
Serious health issues affecting earning capacity may justify higher or longer support.
Non-Primary Parent
The non-custodial parent may need adjustment for their circumstances.
Calculate Your SSAG Range
Get accurate spousal support calculations using the official SSAG formulas.