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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, D ec em be r 24 ,2 02 0 | 14 LITIGATIONlegal matters How do you determine spousal support? The advice offered in this column is intended for informational purposes only. Use of this column is not intended to replace or substitute any professional, financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice. Q A ASK THE PROFESSIONAL Todd C. Hein Partner Family/Divorce Lawyer Proud member of OFFICE LOCATIONS GEORGETOWN 8 Guelph Street 905 452 7400 BRAmPTON OFFICE (main) 350 Rutherford Road S., Suite 320 905 452 7400 CALEDON EAST 15955 Airport Road, Suite 201 905 584 4545 We typically look at the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines, commonly referred to as "SSAG's", in order to determine spousal support entitlement and obligations. We have a program that "runs the numbers" for us. We input certain fundamental data, including the ages of the parties, the length of the marriage or relationship, any children and the residency arrangements for the children, and of course the parties' respective incomes. The program will then tell us what if any spousal support is payable in accordance with the SSAG's, including for how long that support is likely payable (subject to a change in circumstances). The SSAG's will provide a range of the amount of support payable, being a "low", "mid" and "high" range. The duration is also usually a range, for instance 5 - 9 years. A principled analysis is used to determine the appropriate amount of spousal support, but it seems that the majority of cases fall into the mid-range of the SSAG's unless you can show why it should fall to the "low" or "high" range. Notably, spousal support is determined after the child support obligations. Also, spousal support is taxable in the hands of the recipient, while tax deductible by the payor - there are no tax implications with child support payments. We do a lot of family law. We have the experience to help you understand what you may be entitled to receive, or what you may have to pay for spousal support. We have three offices, including 8 Guelph Street, Georgetown, in the Lounsbury Life & Group Insurance Benefits building. Given the unfortunate ongoing public health situation, we are happy to have a free consultation about your matter by Zoom or over the telephone. Have a great safe weekend. Todd C. Hein Empowering Clients. Enriching the Community. While we are currently only open for urgent eye care, we are getting prepared for a full re-opening of our offices as soon as health officials will allow.We wish to assure all our current and new patients that strong safety measures will be in place when we do open. Hope to see you soon and stay safe! We are open but due to the current virus situation we have to limit the number of people in our office. If you are planning a visit (for routine eye examinations, eyewear purchase and repair, contact lens pick up etc), please contact us in advance and we will arrange an appointment time for you. This will prevent overcrowding and keep everyone safe! 905-877-8500 •www.devereauxcemetery.ca A Final Gift to Your Family Main Office: 600 Spring Gardens Road, Burlington Owned & Operated by The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of the Diocese of Hamilton in Ontario Cemetery Address: 12337 17th Side Road, Georgetown Prearranging your burial or cremation is the last gift you can give your family. It releases them from having to quickly make decisions in their time of grief. It also frees them from the need to pay costs associated with your cemetery arrangements. Contact one of our family counsellors to discuss your wishes and options. Santa greets local residents during a drive-by visit on Dec. 13, made possible by the Georgetown Lions Club and Town of Halton Hills. The event brought in 400 pounds of food and $500 for the Georgetown Bread Basket Food Bank. Doug Penrice photo SANTA'S DRIVE-BY VISIT WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU SUBMIT YOUR LETTER TO THE EDITOR TODAY!