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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Child support is a legal obligation for parents to provide financial assistance for their children following a separation or divorce. In New Westminster, located in British Columbia, child support is governed by both federal and provincial laws, including the Federal Child Support Guidelines and the British Columbia Family Law Act. The primary goal of these laws is to ensure that children receive the financial support they need, regardless of the parents’ relationship status. Usually, the parent who does not primarily reside with the child is responsible for making child support payments to the parent who has the child in their care most of the time.
While child support can sometimes be straightforward, there are many situations where people benefit from legal advice or representation. You may need a lawyer if:
Legal advice can help you understand your rights and obligations and can be especially important if your situation is complicated or contentious.
In New Westminster, child support is determined using federal and provincial guidelines. These laws are designed to provide clear rules for calculating support based on the income of the paying parent, the number of children, and the custody arrangement.
Key aspects of the law include:
Child support is the financial contribution that one parent makes to the other for the support, care, and upbringing of their children after separation or divorce.
Child support is usually calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which consider the payer’s income and the number of children. Special circumstances may require different calculations.
While a court order is not strictly necessary, it is strongly recommended. Agreements reached outside of court can be difficult to enforce without a formal order.
Yes, child support can be changed if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income or living arrangements. Either parent can apply to the court to vary the order.
The Family Maintenance Enforcement Program can assist with the enforcement of child support orders or agreements if payments are not being made as required.
These are expenses beyond regular child support payments, such as childcare costs, medical expenses, tutoring, and extracurricular activities, which can be shared between parents.
Typically, the parent who does not have primary care of the child pays child support to the other parent. In shared custody arrangements, support may be adjusted to reflect the amount of time each parent spends with the child.
Child support usually continues until the child turns 19 years old, but may continue if the child is still dependent, such as being in post-secondary education or due to illness.
You can request financial disclosure through the courts or with legal assistance. Both parents are legally required to provide accurate income information for child support calculations.
Yes, parents can make a written agreement between themselves. However, it is recommended to formalize the agreement with a court order for future enforceability.
If you’re looking for more information or support regarding child support in New Westminster, consider these local and provincial resources:
If you need legal assistance with child support in New Westminster, start by gathering all relevant documentation, including income information, past child support payments, custody agreements, and any communications with your co-parent. Consider consulting with a lawyer who specializes in family law to get personalized advice for your situation. You can contact local family law firms, utilize the resources provided above, or visit a Family Justice Centre for initial support. Remember, acting promptly can help protect your rights and ensure the well-being and financial stability of your children.
