RRSP withdrawal for separation/divorce expenses?
I am in my early 40s and contemplating separation and eventually divorce. I need funds to be able to move out and rent a place that would allow for my own safety, while rebuilding my life. I do not make enough as a single person to rent in my city, but due to disabilities am not in a space to share an apartment with a roommate.
I have about 150k saved in a work-matched rrsp and another 100k or so in a rsp from the same employer. I'm wondering if withdrawing say 10-15k from the rrsp would be a prudent way to go to help set up a new place and at least partially pay for a divorce? My spouse will fight me tooth and nail on everything so I expect a divorce will require significant resources that I don't really have.
For clarity I earn about 50k a year and 1 bedroom apartments in my city are about 2k a month not including utilities. Although I will likely (eventually) receive spousal support, I suspect it will be awhile. I can't imagine staying put just bc of money, but my rrsp is the only savings I really have.
Because of various disabilities getting a second job is not feasible. I already work FT against medical advice.
Is this the way to go? I have excellent credit and don't want to ruin that by going into massive debt while waiting for spousal support or buyout from my matrimonial home.
Posted Jun 11, 2026, 10:32 PM UTC