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.