“Compensatory support”

Spousal support intended to compensate spouses for the economic consequences of the marriage. Compensatory support is typically awarded to recognize the economic losses one spouse has incurred as a result of the marriage and marital roles such as the loss of earning capacity, career development, pension benefits, etc. because of a decision to withdraw from the labour force for family reasons. Compensatory support may also be awarded, however, to compensate one spouse for economic benefits conferred on the other spouse during the marriage such as financial support for professional training. Compensatory support also includes spousal support intended to recognize the economic impact of post-divorce child-care responsibilities on a custodial parent, most commonly limitations on employment. (See also non-compensatory support.)