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SS - who needs a reason?

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  • SS - who needs a reason?

    Recently there was a thread where we were discussing the conditions that would need to be satisfied to make a spousal support claim.

    Sometimes, however, it is enough to just be a loser.

    http://canlii.ca/t/h6mhw

    [5] For the reasons that follow, I find that Mr. Saunders has not been unjustly enriched by the actions of Ms. Willis, nor has Ms. Willis suffered a corresponding deprivation. I find, however, that Ms. Willis is entitled to a spousal support award as a result of the breakdown of the parties’ relationship, as set out below.
    Let's start with a list of why she doesn't deserve spousal support:

    [55] <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = "[default] http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" NS = "http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" /><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408">• Ms. Willis clearly has the capacity to contribute to her own support; that she has struggled so to do so to date is somewhat puzzling.</svg></svg>
    <svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408"></svg></svg>
    <svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408">• Mr. Saunders is 36 years of age; Ms. Willis is 39. Both are in good physical and mental health. </svg></svg>
    <svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408">
    • The measures Ms. Willis is taking, or the time in which it would be necessary to take them, to provide for her own support, are unclear to me; although Ms. Willis provided a list of job applications which appear to be commiserate with her experience (in the social services or policing/compliance type fields), 15 job applications in three and a half years is not an overwhelming number. I received no evidence, moreover, of any effort on Ms. Willis’ part to retrain, perhaps for a different type of career which would afford her more opportunity.

    • Mr. Saunders has a legal obligation to support Ethan. According to his most recent Financial Statement, Mr. Saunders currently pays $618.42 per month in support of Ethan. He also has obligations to his second child and new wife, though the latter is also in the military making approximately $42,000 per year.

    • Ms. Willis has not made specific contributions to the realization of Mr. Saunders career potential. He would have gone on his postings and training courses, and he would have attained the rank of Sergeant, with or without Ms. Willis.

    • There was no effect on Ms. Willis’s earning capacity which resulted from the responsibilities she assumed during cohabitation; nevertheless the choices she made, in her mind because of the relationship, limited her earning capacity.

    • Finally, there was no housekeeping, child care or other domestic service performed by Ms. Willis that prevented her from having remunerative employment such that the time spent at them could be treated as contributions to the earnings to the family’s support. Again, Ms. Willis made choices regarding her own employment over the course of the relationship, most notably when she left the regular services and later when she resigned from her job at CPIC because she did not like the hours.
    but...


    [55] <svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408">• Ms. Willis’ current assets are limited. Mr. Saunders are only slightly less so, though his future prospects are better than those of Ms. Willis in that he does have a military pension which continues to grow.</svg></svg>
    <svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408"></svg></svg>
    <svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408">• Mr. Saunders has the means to support Ms. Willis in that he has an income of $72,790 juxtaposed to her income of only approximately $18,000.
    Summary: Ms. Willis doesn't deserve spousal support for any reason whatsoever, other than the fact that she sucks at life. She got SS anyway. </svg></svg></svg></svg>
    <svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408"></svg></svg></svg></svg>
    <svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408">Oh, actual judge's reasoning:</svg></svg></svg></svg>
    <svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408"></svg></svg></svg></svg>
    <svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408">
    [57] Ms. Willis experienced financial and economic disadvantages in her relationship with Mr. Saunders, some of which were of her own making. Her standard of living was significantly reduced as a result of the relationship ending. At the time of separation, she was dependent on Mr. Saunders, and since that time she has been in obvious need. I find that Ms. Willis is entitled to spousal support on the basis of need.
    </svg></svg></svg></svg>
    <svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408"></svg></svg></svg></svg>
    <svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408">which is what I said, just nicer</svg></svg></svg></svg><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1920 1408"><svg class=lb-i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" height="0px" width="0px" viewBox="0 0 1792 1408">





    </svg></svg></svg></svg>
    Last edited by Janus; 10-19-2017, 01:07 PM.

  • #2
    There are enough areas across Canada where two incomes are necessary to survive which makes the "stay at home" parent unlikely. As well, less of a % of the sugar daddy/mommy exists. I really don't think SS is necessary unless the people have been married for more than 30 years and one spouse SERIOUSLY impacted their earning potential as a result.

    These people who make half their spouses income and want ss because they need to keep that lifestyle are ridiculous (male or female) because in the end the other person is not enjoying the same lifestyle since they are paying the other without the additional income.

    Comment


    • #3
      (2) The Respondent shall pay to the Applicant a lump sum award of spousal support of $16,276 for the period of November 1, 2014 to October 31, 2018.
      This really just looks like a way for the Applicant (Tara Willis) to pay her lawyer (Jessica Abou-Eid) as no costs were awarded. The only person who "won" in this matter was Jessica Abou-Eid who probably billed way more than the 16,276 that the Applicant was awarded as a lump sum.

      Comment


      • #4
        I'm too infuriated by your summary to even click that link.

        What kind of hidebound, sexist judge did that?!

        Oh, poor lil woman, quit her job because she didn't like the hours, and has done a halfhearted at best attempt at finding a new one, so of course she should get SS. What about the military guy?! Bet he hates his hours too.

        Comment


        • #5
          There is a difference between having one's earning potential cut short and purposely sitting at home after the kids begin school.

          Doing a non-paying thing is when the spouse starts really just living off the working spouse. It does not take all day to do laundry and clean.

          Comment


          • #6
            This was exactly my situation. As a female. Supporting my ex.

            Comment


            • #7
              is that enough grounds for appeal? Seems like the judge really did make an error by not applying the facts even though he acknowledged that the facts do not qualify for SS.

              Comment


              • #8
                you still think the system (or rather the judges) are not biased against men, Arabian?

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by trinton View Post
                  you still think the system (or rather the judges) are not biased against men, Arabian?
                  Yes I still think the system is not biased against men. One lousy decision/case certainly does not change my mind.

                  The "man" in this case has option of appealing - I certainly would consider it....- but then it is much easier to give up and cry foul than to follow through. Don't blame women or "the system".

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    "Ms. Willis experienced financial and economic disadvantages in her relationship with Mr. Saunders, some of which were of her own making. Her standard of living was significantly reduced as a result of the relationship ending. At the time of separation, she was dependent on Mr. Saunders, and since that time she has been in obvious need. I find that Ms. Willis is entitled to spousal support on the basis of need."

                    This is the case in a nut shell IMO. Need-based - totally different than compensatory. Some people's level of "need" is different than others. "Need" doesn't mean living on the gutter. SS is not indefinite.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by arabian View Post
                      "Ms. Willis experienced financial and economic disadvantages in her relationship with Mr. Saunders, some of which were of her own making. Her standard of living was significantly reduced as a result of the relationship ending. At the time of separation, she was dependent on Mr. Saunders, and since that time she has been in obvious need. I find that Ms. Willis is entitled to spousal support on the basis of need."

                      This is the case in a nut shell IMO. Need-based - totally different than compensatory. Some people's level of "need" is different than others. "Need" doesn't mean living on the gutter. SS is not indefinite.
                      If the man lost his job, and couldn't find a job, and the women still had a job. Would you say that the men would be in need and entitled to child support? 1967 is over in 2 months and it will be 1970. Do you think women will continue to encounter difficulties in obtaining employment in 1970 ?

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Are you talking about the two people in this case who were partners in law firm together? Difficulty finding work? LOL they obviously aren't family law lawyers.

                        Your attempts to once again make derogatory comments regarding my age are noted. People like you rarely win in court you know.... You can't keep a discussion civil and you blow up and come apart. You'd be a walk-over in court.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by arabian View Post
                          This is the case in a nut shell IMO. Need-based - totally different than compensatory. Some people's level of "need" is different than others. "Need" doesn't mean living on the gutter. SS is not indefinite.
                          Compensatory SS makes sense.

                          Needs based SS does not make sense.

                          Often, the two get muddled together. Some worthless slug stays home, nanny watches the kids, husband invents a product that makes a fortune, and during the divorce the slug somehow helped husband make his fortune by watching the nanny watch the kids. Boom, compensatory SS.

                          In this case though, there was no muddling. The judge actually listed all the ways wife did not qualify for compensatory SS. That's what makes this case so jarring, it is one of the more unjust cases of SS I have seen in a while.

                          Sidepoint: How did the formatting suddenly explode to all crap?

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            "Often, the two get muddled together. Some worthless slug stays home, nanny watches the kids, husband invents a product that makes a fortune, and during the divorce the slug somehow helped husband make his fortune by watching the nanny watch the kids. Boom, compensatory SS."

                            That is the very unfair aspect of SS. Nothing she did influenced my success, to which she benefited to a great degree. Nothing I did prevented her from a working life, especially when the kids went to school. But bang, $3.5 cost to me running over 20 years after the marriage.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Needs based SS = Privatized Welfare.

                              Why make the state pay when you can make Dads pay?

                              Look at child support too - $ for $ clawbacks vs. Welfare

                              In order of priority

                              The State
                              Children
                              Women
                              Men

                              Make the bottom pay first then go up.

                              Comment

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