CHILD SUPPORT

child support

Both parents have a responsibility to financially support their children. The parent with the primary residence of the child is entitled to receive child support from the non-custodial parent, subject to certain exceptions. Child support is payable to cover the child’s expenses including food, shelter, and basic necessities. The amount of child support to be paid in Ontario is set out under the Child Support Guidelines. Under the Guidelines, child support payments are based on the income of the parent with whom the child does not primarily reside.

child support lawyer

Other expenses such as child-care, health care, post-secondary education, and extracurricular activities are to be shared by the parents in proportion to their respective incomes. These are called special or extraordinary expenses. We can guide you in relation to your rights and obligations concerning child support and help you obtain the best possible support arrangement for your child.

FAQs

1. What is Child Support?

Child support is financial support paid by one parent to another to help cover the costs of raising a child after separation or divorce.

2. Who pays child support in Ontario?

The parent who does not have primary residence of the child (the non-custodial parent) typically pays child support to the parent with primary residence (the custodial parent).

3. How is child support calculated in Ontario?

Child support in Ontario is determined based on the "Child Support Guidelines," which take into account the paying parent's income.

4. Until what age does child support continue in Ontario?

Child support in Ontario generally continues until the child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 years old. However, if the child is still dependent on their parents for education or other reasons, support may continue beyond that age.

5. What expenses does child support cover in Ontario?

Child support is intended to cover the child's basic needs, such as food and housing.

6. How is child support enforced in Ontario?

Child support orders in Ontario can be enforced through various means, including automatic deductions from the paying parent's wages, garnishment of bank accounts, or enforcement through the Family Responsibility Office.