Child Support is intended for the benefit of the children. You cannot opt out of it on your child’s behalf, and you cannot refuse to pay it. It is set by the Child Support Guidelines.

Although Child Support can be complex, our Lawyers can help you settle any complications that may arise, particularly when the paying parent has unusually high or low income, is self-employed, or income that is seasonal or difficult to predict, the children have special needs, such as child care, disabilities, medical expenses, post-secondary education or other extraordinary expenses OR the children reside with both parents.

Spousal Support is not automatic. In appropriate circumstances, it is possible to contract out of Spousal Support. Support is sometimes not considered a lifelong obligation or entitlement. It is intended as a way for the lower-earning spouse to get back on his or her feet, particularly if he or she made sacrifices such as deferring income or employment to raise a family or to encourage the higher-earning spouse’s career.

There are suggested guidelines for Spousal Support that take into account the length of your marriage and your relative incomes. Courts often give deference to them. The amount determined in your case may be strongly influenced by factors such as each partner’s employment history and income before the marriage, as well as his or her role during the marriage.