Can a former spouse receive support for themselves in Quebec?
Short answer
It is distinct from child support: after a marriage or civil union, a spouse may be entitled to support according to their needs and the other's ability to pay (art. 585 C.C.Q.; in a divorce, s. 15.2 of the Divorce Act allows a lump sum, periodic support, or both — including an interim order). De facto spouses do not have the same entitlement: the Supreme Court confirmed in 2013 that the Civil Code may treat them differently; the 2025 parental-union regime changes certain rules for those with a common child — check what applies to your situation.
In detail
Married and civil-union spouses. Spouses owe each other support (art. 585 C.C.Q.). In a divorce, s. 15.2 of the Divorce Act lets the court order the provision it considers reasonable for the support of the other spouse — as a lump sum, periodic support, or both — and an interim order can be made in the meantime.
What the case law established. The Supreme Court recognized that this support compensates in particular the economic disadvantages caused by the roles adopted during the marriage — the career sacrificed for the family (Moge v. Moge, 1992) — and that it can also rest on need alone, for example illness (Bracklow v. Bracklow, 1999). These decisions are in the app's verified case-law base.
De facto spouses. In Quebec, de facto spouses do not have this right: the Supreme Court confirmed in 2013 (Quebec (AG) v. A, the « Eric v. Lola » case) that the Civil Code could treat them differently. That debate led, in 2025, to the parental-union regime — which changes certain rules for de facto spouses with a common child; check what applies to your situation on the official pages.
Not to be confused. Child support follows its own rules (mandatory determination form, possible readjustment through SARPA) — see our guide Family law in Québec, the essentials.
What to document
The economic facts, dated: income on both sides (tax returns, notices of assessment, statements), the budget of needs, and career interruptions or slowdowns with their dates and their proof. Those facts — needs and ability to pay — are what the court weighs.
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Official sources
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What this page is not
This is general legal information about the law of Quebec and Canada, dated and sourced. It is not legal advice, not a strategy, and not a prediction about the outcome of a case. In Quebec, only lawyers and notaries may give legal advice (Act respecting the Barreau du Québec, ss. 128 and 133). Laws and amounts change: the official source always prevails over us.