Child Support
Generally the parent who does not have the primary care
of the children is required to pay child support to the other parent. Child support is not tax deductible by the payor nor is it considered income for the
recipient. The Canadian government
has attempted to bring uniformity to child support quantums.
Both the provincial and federal governments have, therefore, created the
“Child Support Guidelines.” These
provide for set amounts of child support to be paid depending upon what province
you live in, your gross income, and the number of children.
These guidelines are generally the least amount that a payor will pay.
A spouse can also be required to pay portions of
extra-ordinary expenses
of the children, daycare, medical, dental and post secondary costs. This exercise, at first instance, appears easily determined but can
become complicated when agreeing “what is extraordinary”; “how long should
I pay”; “what if I have children of another relationship”; “what if the
payor is self employed and it is difficult to determine what their income
is?”
To determine what is the
appropriate quantum of support, call any one of our experienced team for a first
interview.
Resources:
Justice Canada: Child Support Online Lookup
Federal
Child Support Guidelines (for Ontario):
