Best Child Support Lawyers in Ottawa

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Delaney's Law Firm

Delaney's Law Firm

Ottawa, Canada

Founded in 2006
50 people in their team
I founded Delaney’s Law Firm after my first year of practice in 2006. 15 years later the firm has built a solid reputation in Ottawa for legal...
French
English
Nelligan Law

Nelligan Law

Ottawa, Canada

Founded in 1963
200 people in their team
A cornerstone of Ottawa’s legal communityFounded by John P. Nelligan and Denis Power, Nelligan Law first began as as Nelligan Power.In 1963, Denis...
French
English

About Child Support Law in Ottawa, Canada

Child support laws in Ottawa, Canada, are primarily regulated by the Federal Child Support Guidelines. These guidelines establish the amount of financial support a non-custodial parent, who doesn't live with the child, should provide based on their income and the number of children involved. The support is intended to cover day-to-day expenses for children's needs such as food, clothing, health care, and education.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

When parents separate or divorce, disagreements over child support can arise, causing unnecessary tension and hardship for all parties involved. It's often essential to hire a legal professional experienced in child support cases in these situations. You may need a lawyer to help negotiate a fair child support settlement, understand your rights and obligations, solve disagreements over child custody which may impact the support calculations, or represent you in court if the matter escalates to legal proceedings.

Local Laws Overview

The local laws in Ottawa state that every parent has a legal duty to financially support their children. This obligation stays concrete even if one parent doesn't see or communicate with the child. The amount of child support is determined using a set of tables in the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which takes into account the payor's gross annual income and the number of children eligible for support. Exceptions or deviations from the guidelines can occur if the child is over 18, the child or parents have special expenses, or if both parents share custody of the child equally or near equally.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who has to pay child support?

Every parent has a legal obligation to support their children financially. This holds true even if one parent has minimal or no contact with the child. Child support is usually paid by the non-custodial parent to the parent with custody.

2. How is the amount of child support determined?

The amount of child support is primarily determined by the Federal Child Support Guidelines using the tables. The tables consider the payor's gross annual income and the number of children eligible for support.

3. Can the amount of child support be changed?

Yes, if there are significant changes in circumstances such as a change in income of the payor, the amount of child support can be reviewed and changed.

4. What happens if a parent fails to pay child support?

Failure to pay child support can have severe legal consequences in Ottawa. It can lead to fines, loss of driving privileges, passport confiscation, and in certain extreme cases, jail time.

5. How long does a parent need to pay child support?

In general, a parent is obliged to pay child support until the child is 18. However, child support may continue beyond this age if the child remains dependent due to illness, disability, or pursuing education.

Additional Resources

The Ministry of Attorney General provides a wealth of resources and information on child support laws, guidelines, and enforcement. The Family Law Information Centre also offer resources and assistance for non-custodial parents seeking to understand their obligations and rights. Community legal clinics can provide legal advice on child support matters to individuals who cannot afford a lawyer.

Next Steps

If you are in need of child support, it is advisable to consult with a family lawyer or visit a local community legal clinic. A legal professional can help you understand your rights, assist with the calculation of child support, and guide you through any legal processes.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of the content. Laws and regulations can change frequently, and interpretations of the law can vary. Therefore, you should consult with qualified legal professionals for specific advice tailored to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content on this page. If you find any information to be incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will make efforts to rectify it.