Hello everyone,

I have been separated from my wife for almost a year now and since the split I have been paying her Spousal Support. There are no kids involved and we did not own any property. We came to an agreement through a mediator for the duration and amount of Spousal Support. Without telling all of the numbers, we came to the agreement that I would pay her half of my take home wage for a year and a half. We were married just shy of three years and together almost ten. She has contacted me recently pursuing more money. (not more per month, but a further year on top of what we already agreed to).

The main reason she is asking for more money is because she has been trying to start her own holistic healing business from home for the past three years and it is not bringing in enough money to support her. While we were together she worked full time while I went to university to get my degree. Now, I have a degree in engineering (a more practical, predictable profession). She has been using the argument that I have the rest of my life set up with this new career while her future was taken from her in the break-up. She planned on pursuing her business while I would be the primary bread winner.

Another complication to this situation is that we were together in Australia and I have moved back to Canada after the split to be with my family. Seeing as I moved across the planet, I was unable to bring much home with me except some clothes and small nic nacks. In other words, she got the car, furniture and all other assets.

As a sign of good faith (in my mind at least) I also agreed to take our joint credit card debt as she does not make a lot of money.

I feel that I have been MORE than generous in this situation and also feel that she might be trying to manipulate me by seeing my kindness as weakness.

Is there any advice any of you can provide me? Have you had to pay Spousal Support? If so, how much and how long?