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Child support in Stratford, Ontario, and across Canada, exists to ensure that children receive adequate financial support from their parents, even after a separation or divorce. These laws are governed by the federal Divorce Act (for married parents divorcing) and Ontario’s Family Law Act (for unmarried or common-law parents). Child support payments are typically calculated based on federal or provincial Child Support Guidelines, considering the paying parent’s income and the number of children requiring support.
Seeking legal advice for child support matters can be crucial in various circumstances, such as when you are unsure about your obligations or rights, experiencing difficulties getting an existing order enforced, needing to vary a current order due to a change in circumstances, or departing from the Child Support Guidelines. A lawyer can also help if you are dealing with complex situations such as self-employment, shared custody, or cross-border issues, or if you believe the other parent is not disclosing income accurately.
In Stratford, as part of Ontario, child support is determined based on the Child Support Guidelines which set mandatory minimum payments based on the paying parent’s income and number of children. Courts generally do not deviate from these Guidelines unless there are exceptional circumstances. Both parents, regardless of marital status, have a legal duty to financially support their children. Child support includes basic amounts as well as possible “special or extraordinary expenses” (such as medical care, daycare, or educational needs). Both parents have an obligation to provide full financial disclosure, and enforcement is handled by Ontario’s Family Responsibility Office (FRO).
Child support is money paid by one parent to another to help provide for the financial needs of their child or children after a separation or divorce.
Generally, the parent who spends less time with the child (the non-custodial or access parent) pays child support to the parent with primary care of the child.
The amount is typically determined by the Child Support Guidelines, which use the paying parent’s gross annual income and the number of children to calculate payments.
Yes, parents who share custody may each have a child support obligation. The amounts are usually set off, with the higher-income parent paying the difference.
Yes, child support can include special or extraordinary expenses such as childcare, medical expenses, extracurricular activities, and educational costs, in addition to the guideline amount.
Support is generally paid until the child turns 18, but it may continue longer if the child remains dependent due to schooling, disability, or other reasons as defined by law.
Courts can impute income based on evidence, meaning they may assign an income amount they believe reflects the parent’s earning potential, even if they are not currently earning that amount.
Yes, either parent can seek a variation of the child support order if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss or change in custody arrangements.
You can seek enforcement through the Ontario Family Responsibility Office (FRO), which can take steps such as garnishing wages or suspending driver’s licenses to collect unpaid support.
Parents can reach an agreement on child support informally or through mediation; however, it is recommended to formalize the agreement by obtaining a court order to ensure it is legally enforceable.
If you need more information or help with child support in Stratford, consider the following resources:
If you need legal assistance with a child support issue in Stratford, consider taking the following steps:
Getting qualified legal advice as early as possible can help protect your rights and ensure your child’s best interests are met.
