How to Use the Spousal Support Calculator Alberta to Estimate Your Monthly Payments
Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a payment that one spouse makes to the other after a separation or divorce. The purpose of spousal support is to recognize the contribution of each spouse to the relationship, to share the economic benefits and burdens of the separation, and to help the lower-income spouse become financially independent.
One way to estimate how much spousal support you may be entitled to or have to pay is to use the Spousal Support Calculator Alberta. This is an online tool that applies the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) to your situation and provides you with a range of possible spousal support amounts and durations.
In this article, we will explain how to use the Spousal Support Calculator Alberta to estimate your monthly payments. We will also discuss some of the limitations and assumptions of the calculator, and how to get legal advice if you need it.
Spousal Support Calculator Alberta
The amount and duration of spousal support depend on various factors, such as the length of the relationship, the roles and responsibilities of each spouse, the income and assets of each spouse, the age and health of each spouse, and the ability of each spouse to earn income.
To use the Spousal Support Calculator Alberta to estimate your monthly payments, you need to follow these steps:
- Go to one of the websites that offer the calculator, such as this one or this one.
- Enter some basic information about your situation, such as your gross income, your age, your province, your spouse’s gross income, your spouse’s age, your spouse’s province, the period of cohabitation, and whether you have dependent children.
- Click on the “calculate” button to get a range of possible spousal support amounts and durations, based on the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG).
- The Spousal Support Calculator Alberta will also show you the tax implications and the child support payments (if applicable) for each spousal support scenario.
- You can adjust the inputs and see how the outputs change accordingly.
Please note that the Spousal Support Calculator Alberta is only an estimation tool and does not guarantee the actual outcome of your case. The spousal support amount and duration may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case and the discretion of the judge. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a lawyer before making any decisions regarding spousal support.
Assumptions and limitations of the calculator
Some of the limitations and assumptions of the Spousal Support Calculator Alberta are:
- The calculator only applies to spousal support cases in Alberta, Canada. Different provinces and countries may have different laws and guidelines for spousal support.
- The Spousal Support Calculator Alberta only uses the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) to estimate the spousal support amount and duration. The SSAG is not legally binding and are only one of the factors that the judge may consider. The judge may also take into account other factors, such as the needs and means of each spouse, the standard of living during the relationship, the agreements between the spouses, and any other relevant circumstances.
- The calculator only provides a range of possible spousal support scenarios, not a specific amount or duration. The actual spousal support order may fall within, above, or below the range, depending on the judge’s discretion and the facts of the case.
- The calculator only estimates the monthly spousal support payments, not the lump sum or periodic payments that may be ordered in some cases.
- The Spousal Support Calculator Alberta only estimates the gross spousal support payments, not the net payments after taxes and deductions.
- The calculator only estimates the spousal support payments based on the current income and assets of each spouse. The spousal support order may be varied or terminated if there is a significant change in the income or assets of either spouse in the future.
- The Spousal Support Calculator Alberta only estimates the spousal support payments based on the assumption that both spouses are living separately and independently. The spousal support order may be affected if either spouse is cohabiting with another person or has remarried.
To get legal advice if you need it, you should consult a lawyer who specializes in family law and spousal support. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and obligations, negotiate a fair and reasonable spousal support agreement, or represent you in court if necessary.