Does having primary custody of the children affect how much spousal support I receive?

Yes, being the primary caregiver for children after separation affects both the amount and duration of spousal support. The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines include a separate "with child support" formula that applies when the recipient is the primary parent. This formula typically produces higher support amounts than the formula for couples without children.

The reasoning is straightforward: primary caregiving limits your ability to work full-time or pursue career advancement, especially when children are young. The law recognizes that the economic disadvantage of being the primary parent continues after separation, not just during the marriage.

Support under the with-child formula is often expected to continue until the children are more independent — roughly through to the end of secondary school — though this varies based on the children's ages and needs. Once children are grown and caregiving demands diminish, courts may revisit the amount or duration on a variation application if the payor applies. A lawyer can run the SSAG numbers for your situation and advise on what to expect as the children age.