CHILD SUPPORT

Child Support in Ontario: Protecting Your Child’s Financial Future

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At TMB Law, we understand that child support is not just a legal obligation—it’s a vital part of ensuring your child’s well-being after separation or divorce. Our experienced legal team provides clear, compassionate guidance to help you navigate child support in accordance with Ontario and federal law.

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What Is Child Support?

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Child support is a financial contribution made by the parent who does not have primary parenting time or decision-making responsibility. It is intended to help cover the child’s living expenses, including housing, food, clothing, education, and medical care. This support is a legal right of the child and is not waivable by either parent.

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Understanding the Federal Child Support Guidelines

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Child support in Ontario is determined using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which provide a standardized formula based on:

• The gross annual income of the paying parent

• The number of children entitled to support

• The province or territory where the paying parent resides

This framework ensures fair, predictable, and consistent support across families, reducing conflict and the need for litigation.

 

Adjustments to Support: When Guidelines May Not Fit

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While the Guidelines offer a strong foundation, they may not always reflect a family’s unique financial situation. The law allows for deviations in specific circumstances, such as:

• Shared or split parenting time

• Children with extraordinary expenses (e.g., private school, medical care, extracurriculars)

• A payor’s undue hardship

• High-income earners beyond the guideline thresholds

 

At TMB Law, we assess your circumstances and advocate for appropriate adjustments when justified under the law.