Child Support
Child Support Guidelines
Courts generally expect parents to follow the Federal Child Support Guidelines (and where applicable, provincial rules) so children continue to benefit from both parents’ financial means after separation.
Click –> Federal Child Support Calculator
Parenting Time is Relevant
Support is a financial obligation for the child. Parenting arrangements and support amounts are related, and based on the time the children spend with each party. You cannot withhold support because you do not like an agreed upon or court ordered
parenting plan.
Special Expenses & Income
Some cases involve “special or extraordinary” expenses. These expenses are shared proportionally between the parties based on income and can include curricular activities, medical/health insurance, vacations, etc. There are calculators that can help with these calculators as well.
Child Support
Affidavit
If you are applying in B.C. Supreme Court for an undefended/consent divorce where there are children, the court requires a Child Support Affidavit to confirm the child support arrangements and guideline amount.
Our Parenting Agreement
On our Parenting Agreement service, child support must be addressed. We build this into the process so it’s not missed, and so your final agreement package is more likely to be accepted by institutions and the court.
Best Interest
of the Children
All decisions must prioritize the children’s safety, stability, and overall well-being, rather than the preferences or convenience of the parents or guardians. All courts must make orders with this in mind.
Inter-jurisdictional Support Order
If one parent lives in B.C. and the other lives elsewhere, B.C.’s Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act and the ISO process may allow you to apply in B.C. and have the other party respond in their home jurisdiction.
Where parents live in different provinces/territories or certain countries, we can assist with the BC ISO process to get or change child/spousal support without you travelling to the other jurisdiction.
Important
Limitations
We provide legal information and document-preparation support. If you need independent legal advice about your rights, risks, or strategy, you may need a lawyer.
Child support can be fact-specific (income, parenting schedule, special expenses, undue hardship claims, and enforcement/recalculation considerations).
Related Services
we Provide
Child support is closely connected to several of our other family law services. We regularly assist with Parenting Agreements, Separation Agreements, and Cohabitation Agreements.
These services are structured to align with the Federal Child Support Guidelines and reflect that child support is the right of the child.