A court has awarded a Toronto woman what is believed to be a record-setting spousal support payment.

Carol Ann Elgner, 61, will receive $110,000 a month from her husband Claude Elgner. The award was based on the length of the marriage and Claude Elgner's annual income of $3 million to $4 million.

Carol Ann Elgner's lawyer Julie Hannaford says the amount reflects a growing feeling within the judiciary that spousal support has not kept up with the times. Hannaford said times have changed from the days when awards were thought of as keeping the heat and lights on at home.

Hannaford said lawyers she has spoken to agree it is the largest spousal-support award ever in Canada. The couple separated in 2007.

Elgner had spent her entire married life at home raising their three children. During that time, her husband's businesses – supplying plastic fixtures used in automotive interiors – grew at a colossal rate. Their assets included a $1.5 million home in Toronto, a $2.6 million summer residence in Muskoka, a $3.5 million home in Florida and a condo in Whistler, B.C., along with five timeshares.

Claude Elgner, 62, argued at trial that his former wife has already received $6.2 million in cash and investments directly from him. He also contended his remaining wealth ought to be largely excluded from the net family assets that are equalized at the time of a divorce. He also pointed out his wife received $775,443 in after-tax income last year, largely as a result of dividends.

The Canadian Press