Helping clients across Ontario understand and navigate support obligations with clarity and confidence.
🧾 Understanding Child Support in Ontario
In Ontario, both parents have a legal obligation to financially support their children. The amount of child support is typically determined by the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which consider:
- Income of the payor parent
- Number of children requiring support
- Parenting time arrangements
Additional expenses, known as special or extraordinary expenses (Section 7 expenses), may include:
- Childcare costs
- Uninsured medical or dental expenses
- Educational expenses
- Extracurricular activities
Regular financial disclosure is essential to ensure that child support amounts remain fair and accurate over time.
💼 Navigating Spousal Support
Spousal support, long ago referred to as alimony, is financial assistance paid by one spouse to the other after separation or divorce. Entitlement to spousal support depends on various factors, including:
- Length of the relationship
- Roles during the relationship (e.g., primary caregiver, income earner)
- Financial need and ability to pay
The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) provide a framework for determining the amount and duration of support, considering factors such as:
- Income of both spouses
- Presence of children and related child support obligations
- Age and health of the spouses
- Standard of living during the relationship
It’s important to note that while the SSAG offers guidance, each case is unique, and courts have discretion in making final determinations.
🔍 Determining Income for Support Calculations
Accurately determining income is crucial for both child and spousal support calculations. We assist clients by:
- Reviewing income tax returns and financial statements
- Identifying and addressing non-disclosed or underreported income
- Considering self-employment income and corporate earnings
- Collaborating with financial experts when necessary
Ensuring transparency and accuracy in income assessment helps in achieving fair support arrangements.
🔄 Modifying Support Orders
Life circumstances change, and support arrangements may need to be revisited. We can assist with:
- Seeking modifications to existing support orders due to changes in income, employment, or family needs
- Enforcing support orders when payments are not being made
- Addressing retroactive support claims when past payments were insufficient or missed
Our goal is to ensure that support arrangements remain equitable and reflective of current circumstances.
📞 Schedule a Consultation
With over 35 years of experience in family law, Thomas J. MacLennan provides clear, compassionate, and strategic legal advice tailored to your unique situation.
Contact us today to discuss your child and spousal support needs:
📍 Downtown Toronto Office
📞 416-591-1354