When you and your ex-spouse/partner have settled any concerns over parenting time and decision-making authority, the next step is to establish the amount of child support that one parent will pay to the other. This is a crucial issue to resolve and having an experienced Ontario child support lawyer on your side can help ensure that your rights are protected.
What Is Child Support?
Child support is a payment from one parent to another for the child’s financial support. The amount of child support that the court orders depend on several factors, including:
- The income and means of both parents.
- Who has primary care and custody of the children (this can be shared).
- How much time each parent spends with their children.
- Any disabilities or special needs that your children may have.
How Does Child Support Work In Ontario?
The person who pays child support is called the “payor,” and the person who receives it is called the “payee.” In Ontario, both parents have a legal responsibility to support their children financially, whether they are together or not. Because child support is considered the “right of the child”, the law is rather clear on when support should be paid, and when it is not required.
How Long Do I Have To Pay Child Support In Ontario?
There is often a misconception that child support ends when a child is over 18 years old. However, this is not necessarily the case. There are various circumstances under which a child can continue to be “dependent” even after their 18th birthday. Those circumstances can include when a child is enrolled in a full-time program of post-secondary studies, or if they are unable to withdraw from parental care for various reasons.
These circumstances, and the question of if your child remains eligible for support, can be highly fact specific and you should always obtain legal advice if you are not sure if a child is still eligible.
How Lloyd & Kemper Can Help You Navigate Child Support Matters
Our family law firm provides expert legal advice and representation for couples getting divorced or needing assistance with other family law matters. We understand that this can be a difficult time for everyone involved, and we’re here to help you through it.
