Following the breakdown of a long-term unmarried cohabitation, the respondent sought ongoing and retroactive non‑compensatory spousal support alleging disability due to depression, ADD, and dyslexia.
The court assessed competing psychiatric evidence regarding the respondent’s employability.
Accepting the opinion of a court‑ordered psychiatric assessor over the treating psychiatrist, the court found the respondent suffered from chronic low‑grade depression but was capable of employment and self‑sufficiency if motivated.
The court held that dependency arose only in the final years of the relationship and was inconsistent with the parties’ prior financial independence.
Ongoing support was therefore time‑limited and ordered to terminate after a transition period, with limited retroactive support awarded.
