<p>Spousal support is often negotiated by spouses who are choosing to end their relationship. Although payment of alimony is not guaranteed, the law sets out several criteria that establish whether a spouse is entitled to spousal support, how much that support should be and for how long. At Calgary&#39;s Walsh LLP, we can help you to negotiate spousal support as part of your divorce or separation. When negotiation is not possible, we will be your advocates in court.</p>

<h2>Entitlement</h2>

<p>When the issue of spousal support goes to court, a judge will consider certain factors to determine whether a spouse is entitled to support. Specifically, the judge will look at:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Whether the marriage or divorce caused one spouse to suffer an economic disadvantage</li>
	<li>The ongoing financial costs of caring for children</li>
	<li>The possibility of the spouse becoming financially self-sufficient</li>
</ul>

<p>It is only after a person is found to be entitled to support that a judge will go on to decide how much he or she should receive and for how long.</p>

<h2>Amount And Duration</h2>

<p>Although not mandatory, the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines are highly respected by Alberta courts. Unlike the <a href="/_page119" target="_self">child support</a> guidelines, which provide a specific payment amount for parents, the spousal support guidelines provide a range of possible amounts; both judges and spouses, therefore, have a great deal of flexibility.</p>

<p>Support may be for an indefinite period of time or a specific period of time. Many factors will be considered in determining how long support may be paid, including:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Ages of the parties</li>
	<li>The length of the marriage</li>
	<li>Whether a spouse took time out of the workforce to raise children</li>
	<li>Education and skills training for the spouse to become economically self-sufficient</li>
	<li>Chronic illness or disability</li>
</ul>

<p>At Walsh LLP, we are both your advisors and advocates. We will help you to understand the law and how it applies to you &mdash; including how an existing <a href="/_page134" target="_self">prenuptial or cohabitation agreement</a> may affect your entitlement to support or your obligation to pay. In alternative dispute resolution proceedings and in court, we will help you achieve an effective resolution.</p>

<h2>Also Serving Airdrie: Lawyer For Spousal Support</h2>

<p>To schedule a consultation with one of our spousal support entitlement lawyers based in Calgary or Okotoks, <a href="/_page14" target="_self">contact us online</a> or call 403-267-8400 locally, 800-304-3574 toll free.</p>
