What happens to spousal support if the payer retires in Manitoba?

This answer covers the law of Manitoba.

Possibly, because a support order may be varied, suspended or terminated on a change in circumstances, and a review can be built into the order. Whether retirement justifies that depends on the facts. The Family Law Act sets no fixed maximum or formula duration.

A court looks at the circumstances of both people, including financial means and earning capacity, needs, steps toward independence, and any earlier orders and agreements. Under the Divorce Act, the court considers each spouse's condition, means, needs and other circumstances, and the aims include relieving economic hardship and promoting self-sufficiency within a reasonable period. Neither statute sets range guidelines based on length of the relationship. Conduct is not considered.

If you released the other spouse from support or accepted a set amount in a written agreement, the court generally cannot order support, unless there was default under the agreement, support was inadequate when the agreement was made, or the releasing spouse now needs public assistance. How a reduced income, a pension or age affects your case depends on your facts, so speak with a lawyer before you stop paying or assume support will continue.