Separating with a former spouse does not fully strip a person of their obligations to their kids. Paying child support is a key responsibility that every parent has to recognize and come to terms with. And while the arrangement might have long-lasting effects, it’s still ideal to sort out how the impact will occur on your life and your legal rights in the situation.
Connecting with a child support lawyer can allow you to break down all the factors of paying child support to your dependents in British Columbia and understand your options. They can also enlighten you about potential options that you have regarding child support.
Here are some of the things to assess and figure out.
1) Provincial Guidelines
It’s an important step to establish the guidelines a parent must abide by when it comes to paying child support. For those who are divorced or filed for divorce, they will have to look to federal guidelines from Canada’s government. However, in British Columbia, there are provincial guidelines that can help parents understand the rules and regulations surrounding child support.
2) Number of Children
Parents and guardians must also recognize how many children will need child support upon separation. Minors are considered dependents, and those with an illness or disability are also entitled to receiving child support regardless of age. Canadian courts also recognize other causes, such as educational needs, believing that they warrant child support.
3) Parenting Agreement
The child support that will be paid will be dependent on the parenting arrangement that you agree on with a former spouse. For instance, sole custody, split custody, and shared custody all warrant a specific amount of time spent with a child and the amount of responsibility they hold. It’s key to find a child support lawyer to explain and negotiate an ideal agreement for you.
4) Special Expenses
Special or extraordinary expenses for your child refer to different costs regarding medical and dental insurance, healthcare, education, and extracurricular needs. These are likely to increase a parent’s child support obligation as these expenses are deemed necessary and reasonable for a child’s development and future.
5) Annual Income
Parents who pay for child support have other expenses that they have to cover. Limited income has to be split between different needs, so it’s a factor that must be assessed when it comes to child support. If you believe that you are paying unreasonable amounts for child support, a child support lawyer may present documentation of insufficient annual income for the current terms.
6) Undue Hardship
There are situations wherein a parent can increase or decrease their child support obligation. For those who are hoping to raise their child support obligations and receive custody, they may show their strong financial capabilities. Meanwhile, those who want to lower their obligations can show examples of undue hardship they have, such as educational debt, illness, or disability.
Conclusion
These are just a couple of the main factors surrounding child support that parents must be aware of. Look at it as a part of a bigger picture that must be fully understood in order to fulfill and complete your responsibility as a parent to your child.
Looking for a child support lawyer in Abbotsford? Pathfinder Law offers a range of different legal services, including civil litigation, family law, business law, and more in British Columbia. Get in touch with us today!
