How much child support is paid?
Basic monthly amounts of child support are set out in the Child Support Guidelines and the Government of Canada's child support tables. It is based on the gross annual income of the payor parent and the number of children they have to support. When calculating the table amount of support, the income of the parent receiving support is usually not relevant.
The tables only show the basic monthly amount of child support that cover things like:
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a share of the rent or mortgage to cover the cost of the child's housing
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bills for household expenses
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groceries
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clothes
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toiletries
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haircuts
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school supplies
There are other factors that may affect the amount of child support a judge might order. For example, there may be additional expenses, called special or extraordinary expenses, like daycare that are not covered by the table amount.
Or, sometimes a parent may not have to pay child support or may pay less than the table amount of child support. Contact us today to book an appointment and find out how we can assist you with getting a child support payment arrangement that works for you.
Child support and parenting time
The right to child support and the right to parenting time are 2 different things. They are both rights of the child. A parent cannot be denied parenting time with their child because they do not pay child support. And a parent who does not have parenting time may still have to pay child support. Parenting time used to be called access.
You can refuse to allow parenting time in specific situations, such as if you're afraid for your child's safety. You may have to call child protection services if you believe your child is being abused by your partner or someone in their home. If you're in this situation, get help right away.
If you need assistance, contact us for advice on what to do to keep your children safe.