20 Things About Child Support You Should Know In Mississauga

20 things about child support you should know in mississauga

Like most people, you probably think of child support as that monthly payment your ex-spouse has to make to keep you from starving to death.

And while it is true that child support can help ensure that your children have the necessities of life, there’s a lot more to it. There are several things about child support that many people don’t know.

So if you’re in the process of getting a divorce and need to start paying or receiving child support, or if you want to know more about this important issue, read on. You might get surprised by what you learn.

What is Child Support?

Child support is a court-ordered payment made by one parent to the other for the financial support of their child or children. Child support aims to ensure that each child has the same standard of living they would have if their parents were still together.

In general, child support will cover the costs of food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and education. However, you can also use it to cover other expenses, such as extracurricular activities or uninsured medical bills.

In most cases, the child support is paid by the non-custodial parent (parent who does not have primary physical custody of the child) to the custodial parent (the parent who does have primary physical custody of the child). However, in some unique cases the court may order the custodial parent to pay child support to the non-custodial parent.

How is Child Support Calculated in Mississauga?

In most jurisdictions, child support is calculated using a formula that considers both parents’ incomes, the amount of time (each-parent) spends with the child, and the number of children involved.

For example, in Ontario, Canada, the Child Support Guidelines are used to calculate child support. These guidelines consider the following factors:

  • The income of each parent
  • The number of children involved
  • The time (parent spends with the children)
  • The age of the children
  • The cost of childcare
  • Any special expenses for the children
  • The income tax consequences of the child support order

In some cases, the court may deviate from these guidelines. If we take an example: a parent is unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute (assign) an income to that parent and use that income to calculate child support.

Similarly, suppose a parent is paying for a child’s education or medical expenses from a previous relationship. In that case, the court may consider those expenses when calculating child support.

20 Things About Child Support

You Should Know

  1. Child support is not optional.

If you are a parent, you are legally responsible for supporting your child financially, regardless of whether you are married to the child’s other parent.

  1. You can’t avoid paying child support by giving up your parental rights.
  2. Child support is not just for children.
  3. You can use child support to cover more than just the necessities.
  4. The amount of child support you pay or receive may change over time.
  5. You may be required to pay or receive child support even if your child is not a minor.
  6. If you have joint custody, you may still be required to pay child support.
  7. If you are a non-custodial parent, you may be required to pay child support even if you don’t see your child.
  8. If you are the custodial parent, you may be required to pay child support even if your spouse is the one who earns more money.
  9. Child support is not tax-deductible for the person paying it.
  10. Child support is considered taxable income for the person receiving it.
  11. Child support payments are usually made through wage garnishment.
  12. If you don’t pay child support, the court may hold you in contempt of court.
  13. If you are held in contempt of court for not paying child support, you may be fined, jailed, or both.
  14. If you move out of state, you may still be required to pay child support.
  15. If you move to another country, you may still be required to pay child support.
  16. If you owe back child support, you may not be able to get a passport.
  17. If you are behind on child support, you may have your driver’s license suspended.
  18. The court may garnish your tax refunds if you are behind on child support.
  19. If you are behind child support, the court may seize your property.

Child support is a legal obligation, not a voluntary act of generosity. If you have a child, you are responsible for supporting that child financially, regardless of whether you are married to the child’s other parent.

How Can Mississauga Family Lawyers Help?

A Mississauga family lawyer can help you if you have difficulty paying child support or are owed child support. A family lawyer can also help you modify a child support order if there has been a change in circumstances.

If you have difficulty paying child support, a family lawyer can help you negotiate a payment plan.

There are many family law firms in Mississauga like Divorcefast, and they have the expertise to help you with your specific situation.

Bottom Line

Now, be sure that you understand your rights and responsibilities regarding child support in Mississauga. If you have any questions, be sure to speak with a qualified family law lawyer.

Do you think you might need to modify your child support order?

If you believe you should change the amount of child support you must pay or receive, you will need to file a motion to have the court modify the order.

A Mississauga family lawyer can help you with this process.

We hope you never have any problems with child support, but if you do, be sure to seek legal help from a family lawyer, and you will be good to go.

If you are still confused, contact us and end your worries immediately. We will help you with all the power we have!

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Written by: the Divorce Fast Team

Our team of Ontario lawyers has over 15 years of experience handling divorce and other family law matters.

All of our lawyers are in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario, and have the knowledge and experience to help and guide you through your family law issues. Whether your matter pertains to divorce, separation, custody/access, or support claims, we are the firm for you.

Contact Divorce Fast for a Free Consultation.

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