Child Support
While the Child Support Guidelines can seem simple on the surface, things can be become more complex when parents are self-employed, under-employed or have fluctuating incomes. We’re experienced in helping parents determine their incomes for the purposes of setting support obligations. We also help you to plan for child-rearing costs not covered by basic child support such as childcare, medical/dental/drug expenses, extraordinary extracurricular and postsecondary expenses.
Every family is unique. Separation in blended families, for example, can raise issues of support for non-biological children. Children are also taking longer become financially independent, such that it’s important to consider how long a support obligation may last. Finally, once support is fixed, it’s important to actually secure and enforce the obligation, including working with the Family Responsibility Office and setting proper levels of life insurance in case a parent should die while a child is still entitled to support. We’ll walk you through all the aspects of child support and come up with the outcomes that are best for your family.
Spousal Support
Spousal support is a complex area. Unlike child support, there is no guaranteed entitlement to it. Even if entitlement is established, how much and how long support is paid can fall on a broad range depending on a long list of factors. The most common way that spousal support is paid is on an ongoing monthly basis, with the payor deducting it from their taxable income and the recipient adding it to theirs. However, support can also be paid in instalments and lump sum, tax-free amounts that allow for a clean break and financial certainty for both parties. We’ll help you to understand which support outcomes are fair and reasonable for your case.