Quebec Canadian Spousal Support (SSAG) Estimator

Spousal support in Quebec is calculated using the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG), which are advisory but widely referenced by courts and lawyers. The without-child formula applies 1.5% to 2.0% of the gross income difference per year of marriage, producing a range rather than a single amount, with a 50% equalization cap for marriages of 25+ years. The with-child formula uses Individual Net Disposable Income (INDI), targeting 40-46% of combined INDI for the recipient after accounting for child support, taxes, and government benefits.

The Rule of 65 provides indefinite (duration not specified) spousal support when years of marriage plus the recipient's age at separation equals or exceeds 65. For example, a 10-year marriage ending when the recipient is 55 qualifies for indefinite support (10 + 55 = 65). The rule does not apply to marriages under 5 years. Indefinite does not mean permanent—support remains subject to review and variation based on changed circumstances, as emphasized in the SSAG User's Guide.

Spousal support duration in Quebec follows SSAG ranges of 0.5 to 1.0 years per year of marriage for marriages under 20 years, except when the Rule of 65 applies. Marriages of 20+ years generally result in indefinite (duration not specified) support, meaning no defined end date but subject to review and variation. Quebec courts require detailed individual analysis rather than automatic application of SSAG duration ranges, as established by Quebec Court of Appeal decisions.

Yes, spousal support in Quebec is fully tax-deductible for the payor and taxable income for the recipient, provided payments are periodic (weekly, monthly, or yearly) under a written agreement or court order. This differs significantly from the United States, where spousal support has been non-deductible and non-taxable since 2019. Lump-sum payments are neither deductible nor taxable. The tax treatment substantially affects the net cost to the payor and net benefit to the recipient.

The SSAG without-child formula applies 1.5% to 2.0% of the gross income difference per year of marriage to calculate the spousal support range. For marriages of 25+ years, a 50% equalization cap applies—the recipient never receives more than 50% of the spouses' combined net disposable income. This formula covers marriages of any length where there are no dependent children or all children are now adults and independent, as detailed in the SSAG Revised User's Guide.

The SSAG with-child formula applies when the higher-income spouse pays both child and spousal support to the primary parent. It calculates each spouse's Individual Net Disposable Income (INDI): guidelines income minus child support (actual for payor, notional for recipient), taxes, and deductions, plus government benefits for the recipient. The formula then determines spousal support amounts that leave the recipient with 40-46% of the combined INDI, using iterative calculations to produce a range.

Spousal support can be modified in Quebec upon demonstration of a material change in circumstances that was not foreseeable when the original order or agreement was made. Examples include job loss, retirement, serious illness, new children, or significant income changes for either party. The change or cancellation is not automatic—a judge may refuse the modification request. Quebec courts require clear justification and strong evidence for modification applications, as outlined in Éducaloi guidance.

No, common-law partners (de facto spouses) in Quebec are not entitled to spousal support when they separate, regardless of cohabitation length. This is unique among Canadian provinces and was not changed by Bill 56 family law reforms, which extended property division rights to de facto couples with children but explicitly excluded spousal support. Only married spouses or those in civil unions qualify for spousal support in Quebec under provincial law.