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Spousal Support

Designed to help ensure financial fairness after separation or divorce. If you're facing spousal support concerns, it’s important to understand how it works and how it might apply to your situation.

If you’re unsure where to start or need guidance, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of spousal support—so you can move forward with confidence.

Common Questions About Spousal Support in BC

  • Spousal support is financial assistance paid by one ex-partner to the other after separation or divorce. It’s designed to help the lower-earning partner get back on their feet and prevent serious financial hardship.

  • Not every separation results in spousal support. A few factors determine eligibility, such as:

    • Financial difference between partners

    • Length of the relationship (longer relationships = more likely to involve support)

    • Roles in the relationship (e.g., did one partner sacrifice career growth to raise kids?)

    • Impact of separation on both parties’ financial stability

    We analyze your situation and help you understand whether spousal support applies to you.

  • There’s no fixed number, but B.C. courts use Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines to determine the amount and duration. Factors include:

    • Each partner’s income

    • The length of the relationship

    • Whether there are children involved

    • The recipient’s need vs. the payer’s ability to pay

    We help ensure you’re paying or receiving a fair amount.

  • It depends. In general:

    • Short-term relationships (under 5 years): Support may last for about half the length of the relationship.

    • Long-term relationships (10+ years): Support could last for many years—or even indefinitely in some cases.

    Support often ends if the recipient becomes financially independent.

  • Absolutely. Many couples negotiate spousal support as part of a Separation Agreement. If you and your ex can agree, we’ll draft a legally binding document to make it official. If not, mediation or court may be necessary.

  • Spousal support isn’t optional—if a legal order is in place, it must be followed. If payments stop, enforcement agencies (like B.C.’s Family Maintenance Enforcement Program) can take action, including wage garnishment or asset seizure. If you're dealing with non-payment, we can help.

  • Yes. If circumstances change—like job loss, retirement, or a major life event—you may be able to increase, decrease, or end payments. It’s best to act quickly if you need a modification, and we can guide you through the process.

  • Whether you're seeking support, negotiating an agreement, or challenging an unfair demand, we’ve got your back. Mahogany Law Group connects you with the best in-house lawyer for your situation, so you get expert advice from day one.

    Let’s start working together.

  • Always Taking the Time to Listen

    I highly recommend Alexandra Ghihor as a lawyer. She provided me with effective information and solutions for my case, always taking the time to listen to all my concerns and doubts. Alexandra was always punctual and took enough time to clarify all my questions thoroughly. Her professionalism, patience, and dedication made a challenging situation much easier to handle. I truly appreciate her guidance and support throughout the process. If you’re looking for a lawyer who genuinely cares and delivers results, Alexandra is the one to trust!

    ★★★★★
    Aura (Google Review)

  • Above and Beyond

    I have worked with Puneet Mann for a couple years now. She is an amazing lawyer. She has gone above and beyond for me and my family. It's nice to have a lawyer who believes in you and has your back. I'm glad to have her in my corner. Thankful for everything they have done so far.

    ★★★★★
    RC (Google Review)

  • Absolutely Fantastic!

    Francis Lepp was absolutely fantastic when helping me get my divorce. This is never a pleasant experience, but she made it so easy and provided a safe and welcoming atmosphere while I was navigating through this tough time. She answered all my questions, in which I had many. Communicated effectively, and explained things to me in ways that were simple and easy to understand. Everything went smoothly, all paperwork done quickly. I highly recommend her!

    ★★★★★
    CF (Google Review)

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Our Reliable 5-Step Process

Not every lawyer is the right fit for every case—and that’s where we stand out. We’re all about matching you with the lawyer who’s best-equipped to handle your unique situation.

It’s not a guessing game; it’s a thoughtful, deliberate approach that ensures you get the expertise and strategy you need from day one.

  • We’ll gather your basic info—like your name and the names of everyone involved—to check for conflicts and confirm we can take your case. If there’s an issue, we’ll let you know right away.

    If you're ready to reach out, head to our Contact page now.

  • Next, you’ll meet with one of our lawyers to share your story and any key documents. They’ll answer your questions, offer initial insights, and help decide if moving forward makes sense.

    Our lawyers’ hourly rates are usually $300 or more, but for a limited time, the initial consult is only $150. And if you decide to retain, the $150 is refunded to you, making the consult complete free of charge.

  • Here’s where we shine. After reviewing your case as a firm, we’ll recommend the lawyer we think is the best fit for you. While the final choice is yours, we’ve found the best results come from trusting our match.

  • Once you’re ready to move forward, we’ll open your file. A retainer is required to get the ball rolling—standard practice for any law firm.

  • This is where the real work begins. We’ll dig into your file, keep you in the loop, and work with you every step of the way to get the best outcome possible.

    And if we ever feel that a different lawyer at our firm will be a better fit, then we're always ready to make a switch. Because we're a small firm, it doesn't take a lot to get another lawyer up to speed on your case.

Our Spousal Support Lawyers