May 5, 2026 – The Three Bases for Entitlement to Spousal Support

“There are three bases for the entitlement to spousal support, being compensatory support, non-compensatory support and contractual support. Compensatory support is meant to acknowledge the contributions of a spouse to the relationship and any financial opportunities that the spouse has forgone for the sake of the family or other spouse. Generally, compensatory awards are seen where one spouse has sacrificed career opportunities, has made significant contributions to the household, and/or where one spouse has made significant contributions to the other spouse’s career: see Kerr v. Erland, 2014 ONSC 3555. Non-compensatory support is based on the need of the recipient and may include a reduction in the recipient standard of living in comparison to the marital standard of living: see Switzer v. Switzer, 2021 ONSC 5760; Gray v Gray, 2014 ONCA 659, 122 O.R. (3d) 337.”

            Boutin v. Lucitt, 2023 ONSC 2753 (CanLII) at 113

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