Child and Spousal Support-Common Law Relationships

Guest post by: Sharon Alderson
Become an Author

Free PDF Download
The history and myths of retirement - By Sharon Alderson

If your common law relationship ends, and you have been living together for three years, or if you have lived together for less time and have a child or adopted a child together and do not have enough money to support yourself, you can ask your partner to pay support. A spouse receiving support following a breakup has a duty to become and remain self-sufficient. If the requesting spouse has the ability to support themselves at an appropriate level, it is not likely they will be awarded support.

Support may be awarded for a fixed period of time, to allow the recipient the opportunity to become self-sufficient. This is the case when the recipient has been out of the workplace and may need to update their skills. Support may be for an indefinite time if the recipient has an illness, disability, or cannot work outside the home due to the care of young or special needs children. It is always a good idea not to sign away the right to ask for support in the future.

The obligation to support a spouse can be partially or fully discharged through a single lump sum payment, or the transfer of an asset, however the financial and tax implications must be considered. Financial planning advice is necessary to ensure the funds are used wisely and provide an income into the future. Spousal support can be amended if personal circumstances change, such as remarriage job loss or disability. The law of spousal support is extremely complicated, and there are long lasting or permanent financial consequences to both parties.
While child support is neither tax deductible by the payer or taxable by the recipient, spousal support is subtracted from the income of the payer and added to the income of the recipient, therefore, tax considerations must also be carefully weighed.

While a couple with few assets, no children and each is self-sufficient, the legal issues they face may be few. However if there is child or spousal support issues, it is essential that the parties know their rights and obtain proper legal and financial advice. Decisions made following a relationship breakdown can create a long lasting impact which can greatly affect the future of all concerned.

Take Your Child to Work - It's Fantastic

DON’T SPEAK TO ME LIKE THAT!

Parenting: What you do that sabotages your child’s success without you knowing it

Helping Kids Cope With a Hospital Stay

Healing the Need for Others' Approval

Intimacy and Connection - The Aliveness of Life

Self-Validation - How to Validate Yourself

What Game are You Really Playing?

Should I Give My Child An Allowance?

Article # 56 Should I Give My Child An Allowance?

How Do I Make Customizations to my Wordpress Site That Won't Get Lost During an Upgrade?

The Benefits of Homeschooling

How To Encourage Your Child's Love of Reading

What Creates Confidence?

Why China Saves So Much Money

Women and Relationships

Can You Love Others?

Get Time with your Family with this Online Home Based Business Opportunity

What Are the Best Types of Relationships? - Medical Sales Training

I Have No Relationship Today With My Dad

Home > Personal-Finance > Sharon Alderson > Child and Spousal SupportCommon Law Relationships > Google +

Referred by: http://www.womenforwomen.ca

Free PDF Download
The history and myths of retirement - By Sharon Alderson

About the Author: Sharon Alderson

RSS for Sharon's articles - Visit Sharon's website
Sharon has over 25 yrs experience in the financial services industry. She holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and the Financial Divorce Specialist (FDS) designations. Sharon is a member of the Academy of Financial Divorce Specialists and has completed training to help divorcing couples reach a negotiated settlement around financial issues. Sharon is instrumental in helping and supporting her clients to gain clarity and direction. She works with women experiencing transition in their life, whether from job loss, the loss of a life partner, or a relationship through separation or divorce. Sharon provides education and guidance and takes the time to get a clear understanding of her clients’ goals. She makes a difference in people’s lives by designing a Financial Plan which includes all aspects of Financial Planning including building wealth, protecting clients and their families against illness and death, cash flow, retirement and tax planning. She has always put her clients’ needs above her own with encouragement and support no matter what obstacles life throws in their way. She has helped many families achieve a comfort level in their financial lives, knowing she is looking out for their best interest. Sharon is also an experienced speaker on topics relating to women such as “Insights to Financial Transitions”, “Worry or Wealth”, “Financially Planning Your Divorce” and more.
Click here to visit Sharon's website.

More from Sharon Alderson
Women and Financial Security
Cohabitation Agreements
Financial Tips for Women Entrepreneurs
Will You Outlive Your Savings
Women and Men are Different Financially Speaking

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.

Share this post and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Child and Spousal Support-Common Law Relationships

Related Articles

Related Forum Posts

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.


Name:
Email: