Simply being a spouse doesn't create an entitlement to support, there must be a legal basis. This usually falls into one of three categories: compensation for sacrifices made during the relationship, such as a spouse who scaled back their own career to raise children or support your business; financial need arising from the breakdown of a long-term, financially interdependent marriage; or an entitlement created by agreement, such as a domestic contract or a promise to fund education or future support. We assess which grounds genuinely apply to your situation before any number gets discussed.

Yes. Either party can apply for a variation if there's been a material change in circumstances such as a significant income change, a shift to shared or primary parenting, the end of child support, or remarriage or re-partnering. If your current arrangement no longer reflects your circumstances, we can help you apply for a variation or defend against one brought by a former spouse. A variation requires proof of a material change; a review, by contrast, is a fresh look at support without needing to prove change and is usually built into the original court order.

Some orders include a fixed end date; others continue until the court orders termination. Retirement does not automatically end a support obligation, many payors are surprised to learn support can continue even after they stop working. Ending support requires an application to the court, and we build the strongest possible case for termination or reduction based on your changed circumstances.

A spousal support release is an agreement in which a spouse waives their right to claim or receive support, often in exchange for a lump sum payment. These releases must be carefully drafted and independently reviewed, or they risk being challenged and set aside later. We ensure a release is properly structured and enforceable, so you're not exposed to a future claim.

Both the Divorce Act and Family Law Act expect spouses to work toward self-sufficiency over time, but the courts recognize that this isn't always immediate or realistic depending on age, health, education, and childcare responsibilities. If a support order isn't being honoured, the Family Responsibility Office can enforce it through wage garnishment, licence suspension, and seizure of tax refunds. When needed, we assist clients in registering their separation agreement with the court to make it enforceable through the FRO.