Calgary Spousal Support Lawyers

Representing Your Interests
Fair Agreement Negotiation

Spousal support varies significantly from couple to couple. Unlike child support, which is strictly regulated, spousal support is negotiable, informed by the Federal Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines. For many spouses, support is necessary to ensure their successful transition to life following divorce.

Entitlement to support must be established, however, and both spouses deserve advocacy to ensure a final settlement is appropriate. At Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP in Calgary, we will represent your interests as a payor or recipient of support. Schedule a consult today for effective representation through your support issues.

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Factors Influencing Spousal Support

When judges decide on spousal support, they undertake two distinct stages of legal analysis. First, they decide if there is an entitlement to support. Then, if there is entitlement, they will determine the amount and duration of support with reference to federal advisory guidelines. These guidelines, unlike child support regulations which are based on strict calculations, offer a range of potential payment amounts.

Many facts about the couple's relationship will affect the amount and duration of spousal support: the length of the marriage, imputed income, whether one spouse took time out of the workforce to raise children, and whether a spouse has the capacity to become economically self-sufficient within a reasonable period of time. Spousal support may also be paid on an ongoing "periodic" basis or on a one time "lump sum" amount.




Negotiating A Fair Settlement

Spousal support is often a vital component of any final separation agreement that precedes a divorce. A reasonable agreement on asset division, support and child care issues can usually be negotiated without resorting to an adversarial litigation proceeding. At Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP, we can determine a fair agreement given the specific circumstances, and we will advocate for our clients' interests in private dispute resolution forums.



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Spousal Support Lawyers: Serving Calgary and Area

All issues connected to divorce, including complex asset division, can be resolved using collaborative law. To learn more about alternative dispute resolution and collaborative law from our Calgary lawyers, schedule a consultation with a member of our team.

To consult with a member of our Alberta firm, call us toll free at 877-563-5295. In Calgary, call 403-233-9300 or contact us online to book an appointment.



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