Child Support matters are usually straightforward when addressed correctly and efficiently. Generally speaking, if you have a child, and that child lives with another person around 40% of the time or more, you must pay child support. The amount you must pay is usually set by the Child Support Guidelines based on your income and the number of children you are paying for.

If your case goes before a judge, you will almost certainly be ordered to pay child support, if the above is true. If you are negotiating with the other parent of your child, you can make an agreement about child support that differs from the normal “table amount” but if the agreement isn’t fair and doesn’t properly care for the child, a judge may change the agreement if he or she is ever asked to.

In Ontario, the obligation to pay child support comes from both the Divorce Act and the Ontario Family Law Act. If you are or were married to the other parent of your child, the Divorce Act and the Ontario Family Law Act will apply to you. Even if you were never married, the Ontario Family Law Act will apply.

If you are dealing with a child support issue, please contact Wahab Law to speak with us.