Ontario Divorce - Will I owe spousal support as a PR?

[Newton111]

Hello,

I married a Canadian woman and moved to Canada two years ago. She sponsored me to come. She has since refused to work and I am supporting us financially and doing all housework alone. I am miserable and want out but fear I will owe her spousal support in Ontario.

I am still within the period of time that she is financially responsible for me even though she pays nothing.

If I filed for divorce, given that I am the one with the income and given she is my sponsor who is legally required to support me, will I still owe her spousal support?

This wasn't a ploy on my end to gain citizenship. When this is done with, I am going back home. I just don't want it to follow me.

 

[jddd]

You will need to speak to a family lawyer. Being PR does not exempt you from providing support. Your spouse (would be ex) needs to prove your ability and her need for support though.

 

[Bryanna]

Hello,

I married a Canadian woman and moved to Canada two years ago. She sponsored me to come. She has since refused to work and I am supporting us financially and doing all housework alone. I am miserable and want out but fear I will owe her spousal support in Ontario.

I am still within the period of time that she is financially responsible for me even though she pays nothing.

If I filed for divorce, given that I am the one with the income and given she is my sponsor who is legally required to support me, will I still owe her spousal support?

This wasn't a ploy on my end to gain citizenship. When this is done with, I am going back home. I just don't want it to follow me.

Spousal support is not an automatic right. To claim spousal support, she must prove she would suffer financial hardship.... or she has suffered loss of opportunities/loss of income due to the marriage (typically, this might have worked if you had children.... or she put her career on your hold to support your career). Do you have evidence that she refused to work after marrying you?

The amount of spousal support and the duration of the support will increase with each year of the relationship. So, you might want to talk to a family law lawyer to figure the best way out soon.

BTW spousal support orders can be reviewed by the court later if your income reduces or you decide not to work or if she gets a new partner