The Rule of 65 in Ontario family law comes from the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines and determines when spousal support should be indefinite. It applies in two situations: when a marriage lasts 20 years or more, or when the marriage is at least 5 years and the recipient’s age plus the years of marriage equals 65 or more. In these cases, no end date for support is set at the outset.

The rule reflects that long marriages or older spouses often lead to greater financial dependency, making it harder for the recipient to become self-sufficient after separation. While “indefinite” does not mean permanent, support continues until a major change—such as retirement, remarriage, or a significant shift in financial circumstances—justifies a review.

more insights

Get instant access and see how our AI assistant can simplify your legal needs.

FAMLAW FAMLAW FAMLAW FAMLAW

© 2025 VedX AB and A.L.E Technologies Inc. All rights reserved. This website, famlaw.ca, is operated by VedX AB and A.L.E Technologies Inc. The content provided on this site, including any information generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI), is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, professional, or other advice. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated content may occasionally be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Users should not rely solely on AI-generated responses and are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals before making decisions based on the information provided. VedX AB and A.L.E Technologies Inc. disclaim all liability for any actions taken or not taken based on content from this site.