The Basics of Child Support

Child support is an important issue that arises in family law matters involving children. In British Columbia child support is governed by the Federal Child Support Guidelines. Here are the basics of child support in British Columbia:

What is Child Support?

Child support is the financial support paid by one parent to the other parent for the benefit of the child. The purpose of child support is to ensure that both parents contribute to the financial needs of the child.

Who Pays Child Support?

In British Columbia, the parent who has the child less than 50% of the time is generally required to pay child support to the other parent. This is based on the principle that both parents have a financial obligation to support their children.

How is Child Support Calculated?

Child support is calculated based on the Federal Child Support Guidelines. The Guidelines take into account the income of both parents, the number of children, and the parenting arrangement. The Guidelines provide a formula for calculating the amount of child support that should be paid.

What Expenses Does Child Support Cover?

Child support is intended to cover the basic expenses of raising a child, including food, clothing, and shelter. It may also cover other expenses, such as child care, medical expenses, and extracurricular activities.

Can Child Support be Changed?

Child support can be changed if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income or a change in the parenting arrangement. It is important to seek legal advice if you wish to change the amount of child support.

Enforcement of Child Support

If a parent fails to pay child support, there are enforcement measures available, such as wage garnishment, seizure of assets, and suspension of driver's licenses. It is important to seek legal advice if you are having difficulty enforcing a child support order.

In conclusion, child support is an important issue that arises in family law matters involving children in British Columbia, Canada. Understanding the basics of child support, including who pays child support, how it is calculated, and what expenses it covers, is essential for parents navigating the legal system. Seeking legal advice can help ensure that child support is calculated fairly and enforced effectively.