It is the responsibility of both parents to pay child support in Ontario. In the event that you do not live together with your other parent, you must share the costs of raising your children.
What is Child Support?
Child support is an amount paid by one parent to the other parent to help cover the costs of raising the child. It is not uncommon for the parent with the higher income to pay the other parent-child support in order to keep both households at similar living standards.
Child Support In Ontario
The Ontario Child Support Act recognizes child support as a child’s right. Whenever it comes to determining how much child support should be paid, this is the starting point.
The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) is a branch of the provincial government that enforces child support orders and agreements that are filed with it, in addition to seeing the funds arrive in a bank account. It is important for FRO’s online database to contain all the correct information in order for payments to be made.
Myths About Child Support in Ontario
There are many myths and misconceptions about child support, which can cause parents to have unrealistic expectations about what they might owe or receive.
- Raising income: Changing the recipient’s income does not affect the payor’s obligation to support where there is no shared custody arrangement. It is important to keep in mind that child support is not intended to equalize parents’ income. Changing income will not affect a recipient’s support amount. Changes in income can, however, lead to a change in support.
- Age for Child: In Ontario, child support is not automatically terminated when a child reaches 18. When a child is enrolled in full-time, career-oriented education or is unable to withdraw from their parental care due to illness, disability or other reasons, child support can continue.
- Waive Or Bargain: According to Ontario law, child support is the child’s right, not the parent’s. This right cannot be waived or bargained away by parents. It is a child’s right to receive child support, and courts protect this right as they do most children’s rights.
Lawyer’s Role In Child Support
Having a healthy relationship with your former spouse may be difficult after a divorce. In this article, we will discuss some of the things child support lawyers will be able to assist you with:
- Legal Negotiations: Lawyers help divorced parents negotiate child support in Ontario fairly. In a divorce, the parties may have to go to court to determine who pays child support. To protect the children’s interests when divorce is final, a lawyer should be hired for mediation.
- Legal Troubles: When it comes to child support issues, hiring a professional lawyer is the best option, because getting personally involved may result in domestic turmoil. Keeping another parent from visiting the children may not be legal. By choosing a lawyer, you can protect your rights and improve your chances of success.
- Continuity In Payments: When a parent fails to pay child support, divorce and child support lawyers can help. A drastic change in the former partner’s financial situation may also account for the lack of consistency in payments. Divorce lawyers may be able to assist you if your partner is delaying payments or if your child is receiving less financial support.
Factors Affecting Child Support In Ontario
- Unexpected Expenses: These expenses include daycare costs, medical and dental premiums, and uninsured health care. Depending on their income, the parents share these expenses.
- Aspects Of Parenting: If you have shared or split custody, the judge will consider how much time the children spend with each parent.
- Financial Hardship: A parent who has financial difficulties may find it extremely difficult to pay child support. Evidence of this is needed, which is sometimes difficult to prove.
Prepare For Child Support With Hussain Law
We help you decide if this is the best process for you. Whether we are representing you in a contentious divorce, in negotiating a domestic contract, or in a collaborative process, our aim is to provide practical and cost-effective solutions.
At Hussain Law, we focus on helping our clients navigate separation and divorce’s emotional and financial challenges. If you have a family law issue or want to prepare for divorce that you need assistance with, please contact Ayesha Hussain a divorce lawyer in Toronto at 647-428-3919.
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