Support & property

Not all couples who live together meet the definition of spouse under BC’s family law. Those who aren’t considered spouses have some rights but not others. Learn what happens if you’re in an unmarried relationship that ends.

The breakup of a relationship can leave partners on an unequal financial footing. A spouse who’s struggling moneywise may ask the other for help. Learn about spousal support.

Parents are legally responsible for financially supporting their children. This is true even if one parent doesn’t see or take care of the children. Learn about child support, how it’s calculated, and how to get it.

Different income tax rules apply to spousal support and child support. Spousal support payments are handled one way, and child support payments another. Learn how the tax rules affect you.

Many parents and spouses make support payments they owe under a support order or agreement. Unfortunately, some don’t make their payments. Learn what steps to take to enforce payments owed under a support order or agreement.

When a relationship ends, spouses often have to deal with their property and debt. They have to figure out who gets what and who pays for which debts. Learn what the law says about property and debt division when spouses separate.