What Is Child Support?
Child support is a legal obligation for parents to contribute financially to the care and upbringing of their children. In Ontario, both parents share this responsibility—even if they are no longer living together or if parenting time is unequal.
Under the Federal Child Support Guidelines, the parent with less parenting time typically pays a monthly amount to the other parent to help cover:
- Basic living expenses (food, clothing, shelter)
- Education and school supplies
- Transportation and healthcare
- Extra-curricular activities (in some cases)
Our Mississauga Child Support Lawyers help clients understand how the Guidelines apply to their situation and ensure support amounts are fair and enforceable.
Who Pays Child Support?
Child support is generally paid by the non-residential parent—the one who has the child for less than 40% of the time. However, even in shared parenting situations, one parent may still be required to pay support if their income is higher.
Child support is calculated based on:
- The payor’s gross annual income
- The number of children
- The province where the payor lives (which affects the table amounts)
We help you determine what amount is appropriate and ensure full financial disclosure is exchanged, as required by law.
Special or Extraordinary Expenses
In addition to base (or “table”) child support, parents may be required to contribute to special or extraordinary expenses under Section 7 of the Guidelines. These may include:
- Childcare needed for a parent to work or go to school
- Medical and dental expenses not covered by insurance
- Private school tuition
- Post-secondary education costs
- Competitive sports or extracurricular activities
These costs are usually shared proportionally based on each parent’s income. Our lawyers can help you negotiate or litigate fair contributions to Section 7 expenses and ensure all costs are properly documented.
How Long Does Child Support Last?
In Ontario, child support typically continues:
- Until the child turns 18, unless they are still dependent due to school, illness, or disability
- As long as the child is enrolled full-time in post-secondary education
- Indefinitely, in the case of children with ongoing special needs
The specific duration may vary based on your agreement or court order. If you’re unsure whether support should continue or can be varied, our Child Support Lawyers will provide clear, up-to-date legal advice.
Changing or Ending Child Support
Circumstances change. If either parent experiences a significant change in income, job loss, or if the child’s situation changes, it may be possible to modify an existing child support agreement or court order.
Our services include:
- Filing for a variation of support
- Negotiating changes through mediation
- Applying to court to reduce, increase, or terminate support
- Responding to enforcement actions
We’ll help you present a clear and compelling case to support your position—whether in mediation or court.
Enforcing Child Support Orders
When support isn’t paid as ordered, the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) can enforce payment through measures like:
- Garnishing wages
- Seizing tax refunds or bank accounts
- Suspending driver’s licences or passports
Our Child Support Lawyers help you file or respond to FRO enforcement actions, protect your financial interests, and ensure that court orders are respected.
Why Work With Prudent Law’s Child Support Lawyers?
At Prudent Law, we offer:
- Deep experience in Ontario child support law
- Personalized strategies that protect your rights
- Strong negotiation and litigation skills
- Compassionate guidance through difficult family transitions
- Clear communication and responsive service
We understand how important child support is to your family’s financial stability. Our goal is to resolve disputes efficiently while securing the best possible outcome for you and your children.
Speak With Our Mississauga Child Support Lawyer
Our team of Child Support Lawyers in Mississauga will guide you through every step with confidence and care.
Book a Consultation or Speak with a Family Lawyer Today to get the advice you need.