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How to Calculate Your Alimony in BC

December 12, 2016     Family Law

Spousal Support or Alimony in BC are payments that a spouse has to pay the other spouse once the couple separates or divorces. Alimony in BC is usually based on the net difference in your income. There is software with which you generate a figure your spouse has to pay to equalize incomes. But first, you have to establish entitlement to spousal support. Alimony is a highly complex area of family law. It is best to at least consult with an Alimony lawyer in BC to know exactly what your rights and obligations are.

How to Calculate Alimony in BC?

To calculate alimony in BC, follow these steps:

  1. Determine your spouse’s income;
  2. Determine your income;
  3. Determine the length of relationship;
  4. Determine who the children reside with;
  5. Click here to calculate alimony in BC;

It is not a straightforward formula like calculating child support. But basically, your spouse’s net income and your net income will be equalized. So let’s say you earn $50,000 net of taxes and your spouse earns $100,000 net of taxes. In the simplest terms, $25,000 from your spouse’s income is reverted back to you so now each of you earns $75,000. But this is not the end of the matter:

  1. Alimony amount changes depending on the length of your marriage. If the marriage is shorter, alimony will be less.
  2. Alimony can be paid indefinitely if the length of marriage was long. But if it’s short, you may only pay or receive alimony for a few months or years.
  3. If you and your spouse had children, alimony will be higher even though you may be receiving child support as well.
  4. Your age, education and ability to earn an income now and in the future are also factors that the judge will consider in determining exactly how much and for how long alimony needs to be paid.

To get a rough idea of your alimony payments in BC, click here.

What Types of Alimony in BC do we Have?

  • Alimony in BC is usually paid on a monthly basis; or
  • Alimony can be paid in lump sum – so you can make a one-time chunky payment and then you will never have to worry about having to pay alimony to your ex ever again.

What to Look for in Deciding Alimony in BC?

First, both you and your ex need to exchange various documents to determine your income. These include:

  1. Tax returns or T1 Generals;
  2. Notice of Assessments;
  3. T2 corporate tax returns if you or your spouse control or are a shareholder in a corporation;
  4. Any interest income or rental income statements;
  5. Latest pay stubs.

Once you calculate your incomes from all sources, click here to estimate how much alimony you should pay or receive in BC.

If you already have an Alimony Order or Agreement…

Alimony in BC is an extremely complicated area of family law. It is best to consult with a BC alimony lawyer to learn about your rights or obligations. Call us at 604-974-9529 or get in touch. 

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