Ensuring your children’s needs are met.
Child support ensures that children continue to receive financial support from both parents, even after separation or divorce. In British Columbia, child support is governed by the Federal Child Support Guidelines and the Family Law Act, which set out the rights and obligations of parents to provide for their children’s needs.
Key considerations in Child Support:
- Determining the Amount: Child support is generally calculated based on the paying parent’s income, the number of children, and the parenting arrangements. The tables provided under the Federal Child Support Guidelines offer a clear starting point, but adjustments may be needed based on individual circumstances.
- Parenting Arrangements: The amount of time a child spends with each parent can affect the calculation of support, especially in shared parenting situations.
- Special or Extraordinary Expenses: In addition to basic child support, parents may be responsible for extraordinary expenses. These are costs that go beyond ordinary day-to-day expenses and are necessary for the child’s well-being, such as childcare, medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance, educational costs, tutoring, therapy, or extracurricular activities like sports or music lessons. Both parents typically share these costs in proportion to their incomes, ensuring that the child’s additional needs are met fairly.
- Variation and Enforcement: Child support orders can be adjusted if circumstances change, such as a change in income, relocation, or changes in parenting arrangements. Enforcement mechanisms, including the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program (FMEP), help ensure payments are made when a parent fails to comply.
How we can help:
- Calculating accurate child support amounts, including extraordinary expenses, in accordance with British Columbia guidelines
- Drafting agreements or preparing court applications for child support
- Negotiating and mediating disputes between parents
- Representing clients in family court when agreements cannot be reached
- Assisting with enforcement through FMEP or court action
Child support is a critical element of a child’s well-being. Our team provides clear guidance, strategic advocacy, and practical solutions to ensure that children receive the financial support they need and that parental rights are protected.
