[troutman]

Spousal support is tax deductible for the payor, and income for the payee.

Several years ago, the federal government tried to reform spousal support by asking two respected family law experts - Carol Rogerson and Rollie Thompson - to come up with a set of guidelines that incorporate factors such as the duration of marriage and the number of children.

Mr. Epstein, who was on an advisory committee that oversaw their creation, said the guidelines are gradually improving the system.

Only Alberta has failed to embrace them, he said. "I think the guidelines have caused a major stride toward uniformity. I think they are doing the job they were meant to do."

It is hard to say if $1500 is unreasonable without knowing all of the facts.