Alimony and Spousal Support in a Simple Divorce in Ontario

Alimony and Spousal Support

What is Alimony and Spousal Support?

Definition of Alimony and Spousal Support

In Ontario, the terms “alimony” and “spousal support” are often used interchangeably, but they traditionally stem from different legal origins. Alimony is a more antiquated term commonly used in the United States to refer to financial support paid by one spouse to another following a divorce. In contrast, spousal support is the preferred term in Canadian law, specifically in Ontario, under the Family Law Act. Spousal support refers to the payments that one spouse may be required to make to the other spouse to help them support themselves after separation or divorce.