Spousal maintenance is normally durational that is, it has a set duration, normally long enough for the payee spouse to become self-sufficient. However, there are cases, given age, health and inability to support themselves, that the payee may be awarded nondurational or permanent alimony.
You are not legally obligated to support her. If a divorce is filed the court could make alimony retroactive.
Typically, the judge will take 20% of the lower-earning spouse's income and subtract that number from 30% of the higher-earning spouse's income. For example, one spouse makes $100,000, and the other makes $20,000. Thirty percent of $100,000 is $30,000, and 20% of $20,000 is $4,000.
Not all divorces qualify for alimony. Courts consider factors like the length of marriage, income disparity between spouses, and ability to be self-sufficient.
$1200 OAS, $100 CPP, $800 GIS Payment: In October 2024, Canadian seniors who qualify will receive several government benefits such as the Old Age Security (OAS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).