Exceptional Ottawa Child Support Lawyers

What is Child Support?

Child support is money paid by one parent to the other to help support their child(ren). Following a separation or a divorce, the parent without primary physical custody of the child will likely be required to pay ongoing support to their co-parent. In Ontario, this generally lasts until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. Child support is made up of two broad categories: 

• Basic monthly expenses; and
• Special/extraordinary expenses.

Basic monthly expenses cover the amount that a non-custodial parent pays on a month-by-month basis. Special/extraordinary expenses are separate categories that may be required if a child has unique educational or medical needs. Child support disputes over special/extraordinary expenses can be more complicated as it is a case-by-case issue. 

An Overview of the Federal Child Support Guidelines

One of the most important elements in any divorce is ensuring that there is standard and fair support for any children of the marriage. Financial support is determined through an accurate calculation of the child support after a determination of the payor parent’s guideline income. There are standardized guidelines in place that are used to figure out the proper amount of child support. As a general matter, the amount of monthly child support that a parent pays is based on the following three factors: 

• The number of children being supported; 
• The annual income of the parent paying child support; and
• The province of residence of the parent paying support. 

Ontario revised its provincial child support guidelines in November of 2017 to make them consistent with the federal Canadian child support standards. While the child support guidelines are presumed to be appropriate, it may be possible for a parent to get a variation from the amount called for by the guidelines—either paying less or receiving more—if they show good cause why such a variation is reasonable and necessary. 

You Can Rely On the Ottawa Child Support Lawyers at RPB Family Law

Even though there are federal guidelines in place, child support cases can still be extremely complicated. At RPB Family Law, we have the skills, knowledge, and experience to help separated and divorced parents navigate all types of child support matters—from negotiating a child support settlement to dealing with delinquent child support. When you contact our Ottawa law office, you will have a chance to work with an Ontario child support lawyer who can: 

• Hear your story and answer questions about child support law; 
• Review all of the documents and records you have related to your case; and
• Take the appropriate action to protect your legal rights and your financial interests. 

Contact an Ottawa, Ontario, Child Support Lawyer Today

The Ottawa, Ontario, child support and divorce lawyers at RPB Family Law can help guide you through any divorce or separation. Let them help you gain a better understanding of the different federal and provincial laws and guidelines on child support. If you have questions, we are here to find answers. Contact us today to arrange a completely confidential consultation. From our law office in Ottawa, we provide family law representation in child support cases throughout Ontario.