When couples separate or divorce in Ontario, financial support often becomes a major concern. Two common types of payments are spousal support and child support, but many people confuse the two. While both aim to provide financial stability after a relationship ends, they serve very different purposes under Canadian family law.
Spousal Support
Spousal support, sometimes called alimony, is money paid by one spouse to the other to help maintain financial balance after separation. Its purpose is to recognize the economic disadvantages or sacrifices one partner may have made during the relationship — for example, leaving a job to raise children or supporting the other’s career. Spousal support is not automatic; it depends on factors like the length of the relationship, each person’s income, roles during the marriage, and financial need. The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) help determine fair amounts and duration, but judges still have discretion.
Child Support
Child support is money paid by one parent to the other for the care and upbringing of their children. It ensures that children enjoy a standard of living similar to what they would have if both parents lived together. In Ontario, child support is calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which consider the paying parent’s income and the number of children. This payment is the child’s legal right and continues until the child turns 18—or longer if they are in school or unable to support themselves.
Key Difference
In short, spousal support benefits an adult partner based on financial fairness, while child support directly benefits the children to cover their daily needs and future well-being. Both supports can exist at the same time but are calculated and enforced separately to ensure fairness for all family members.