Spousal Support Simplified: What You Should Know When Creating Your Prenup or Cohabitation Agreement

Spousal support, also sometimes called alimony, is a critical aspect of many prenups and cohabitation agreements, especially for couples with significant differences in income or where one partner is financially dependent on the other. Understanding how spousal support works and what factors are important in deciding what kind of support is appropriate can help you negotiate fair and reasonable terms in your agreement. In this blog post, we’ll simplify the concept of spousal support and explore what you should know when creating your relationship agreement.

1. What is Spousal Support?

Spousal support is a financial obligation that one spouse may have to the other following separation or divorce. Its purpose is to address economic disparities resulting from the end of the relationship, such as differences in income, earning capacity, and financial needs. Spousal support can be temporary or long-term, depending on the circumstances of your family.

2. Factors Influencing Spousal Support:

Several factors may influence the amount and duration of spousal support, including:

3. Structure of Spousal Support Payments:

There are different types of spousal support arrangements that may be included in your relationship agreement.  For example:

4. Negotiating Spousal Support in Your Agreement:

When creating your relationship agreement, it’s essential to consider spousal support carefully and negotiate terms that are fair and equitable for both parties. You may wish to include provisions for spousal support in your agreement, outlining the amount, duration, and terms of payment based on your individual circumstances and needs.

Creating Your Prenup or Cohabitation Agreement with Jointly:

At Jointly, we understand the complexities of spousal support and are here to help you navigate the process with confidence. Our platform guides you through the entire process of creating a customized relationship agreement, including provisions for spousal support, ensuring that your agreement reflects what makes sense for your family.

Don’t let uncertainty about spousal support stand in the way of creating a secure future for yourself and your partner. Take control of your future with Jointly.  Click here to get started.

Amanda BaronI'm Amanda, one of the founders of Jointly. I've been working as a lawyer in British Columbia for over ten years. I have a deep commitment to access to justice and building stronger, more resilient communities. I’ve always believed that everyone deserves affordable, clear, and accessible legal solutions to navigate life’s big moments.

I founded Jointly because I want to empower more Canadians with the knowledge and tools to create relationship agreements that work for them, at a price they can afford. My big dream? That reaching more Canadians with Jointly ultimately keeps more families out of the court system when relationships breakdown, which can be slow, expensive and traumatic. (I may or may not have personal experience with this 😅)

When I'm not lawyering, I'm most likely hiking with my dogs, kayaking the coastal waters around North Vancouver, or hitting the sauna and cold plunge. Latest posts by Amanda Baron (see all)

Text-Only Version