Child & Spousal Support

Child support is determined based on the income of the parties and the children’s residence. The intention of the Federal Child Support Guidelines is to set a fair standard of support so that children benefit from the parents’ financial means after separation, reduce conflict between parents by making the calculation of child support more objective and clear, and to ensure consistency in the treatment of parents and children in similar circumstances. Child support is paid on a monthly basis and, as a broadly stated guide, is typically paid until the child’s completion of their first post-secondary degree.

Spousal support is intended to provide fair compensation to address the economic consequences of a spousal relationship. Various factors are considered under the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines, including the length of the relationship, the parties’ financial circumstances, and the roles they fulfilled while together, particularly with regards to raising of children. Spousal support is not automatically awarded – one must first prove entitlement before determining the amount and duration of spousal support.