Navigating the complexities of child support can be daunting, especially during the emotionally challenging times following a separation or divorce. Our compassionate and approachable team of child support lawyers is dedicated to ensuring you are well-informed about your rights and obligations.
Child support is a fundamental right of the child, designed to assist with their upbringing and ensure they benefit from the financial resources of both parents. Regardless of the nature of your relationship with the other parent, the obligation to support your child is most important. Our experienced lawyers are here to guide you through calculating, evaluating, contesting, and adjusting child support payments, ensuring that your child’s best interests are always prioritized. Whether you need assistance understanding payment guidelines, or addressing retroactive support claims, we are here to support you and provide guidance.
Determining child support is a crucial aspect of ensuring that children’s needs are met after a separation or divorce. Various factors are taken into account to establish fair and adequate support payments. Understanding your entitlements and responsibilities is essential, and our lawyers are here to guide you through the process. Here are some key components involved in determining child support:
The federal government of Canada sets the baseline amounts for child support through the Federal Child Support Guidelines. These guidelines provide a table that outlines payment amounts based on the number of children and the income of the parents. This ensures a standardized approach to calculating basic child support.
Child custody arrangements significantly influence the calculation of support payments. In shared custody scenarios (where custody is split between 50/50 to 60/40), the support payments are determined by netting the difference between each parent’s obligations, with the lower-income parent typically receiving the payment. Where the child is primarily with one parent, the other parent will typically have the child support obligation.
Special or extraordinary expenses are additional costs that go beyond basic child support. These can include costs for extracurricular activities, medical and dental premiums, daycare, and post-secondary education.
Child support payments are not static and can be adjusted in response to changes in circumstances, such as changes in income amount, employment status, or the needs of the child. The law provides specific guidelines on how and when these adjustments can be made, ensuring that the support remains fair and reflective of current situations.
Navigating child support laws can be complex. We can provide necessary guidance and representation to ensure your rights and your child’s best interests are upheld throughout the process.
Choosing the right family lawyer is a critical step in navigating legal challenges with confidence. Family Law is a dynamic and delicate practice that demands compassion, care, and communication. Our lawyers handle each case collaboratively, leveraging over 50 years of experience from the day of your free consultation to when your file becomes closed. Our initial consultation is designed to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and offer clear, thoughtful guidance. We work hard to build a trusting relationship and offer the dependable support you need to move forward with peace of mind.
Child support is financial assistance to cover a child’s basic needs, like food, clothing, and shelter. It ensures that children continue to have a similar standard of living after their parents separate or divorce, maintaining financial support despite changes in parental relationships.
Yes, child support is a legal obligation. Both parents are responsible for financially supporting their children. The parent who does not have primary custody typically pays child support to the parent who primarily cares for the children.
Child support payments in Alberta are often facilitated through the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP). This program collects Court-ordered child support payments from the payor and disburses them to the receiving parent. MEP helps ensure consistent and timely payments while offering enforcement measures if the payor fails to meet their obligations.
The amount of child support is calculated based on the Federal Child Support Guidelines (FCSG) or Alberta Child Support Guidelines (ACSG). It depends on the paying parent’s income and the number of children. The parents share special and extraordinary expenses proportionally based on their incomes.
Child support is paid to the parent with primary custody of the child. This payment ensures the child’s financial needs are met while in the other parent’s care. The funds are intended solely for the child’s benefit, not the receiving parent’s personal use.