Child Support

In Ontario

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How Does Child Support Work in Ontario?

Child Support In Ontario: How It Works

Child support is one of the most important and most misunderstood parts of parenting after separation. In Ontario, both parents are legally required to contribute financially to their children, regardless of custody arrangements or marital status. The amount of support is based on income, number of children, and how much time each child spends with each parent, all guided by federal and provincial rules.

The Common Sense Divorce helps parents handle child support the right way. Whether you are paying or receiving support, we make sure everything is calculated fairly, filed properly, and fully aligned with the law. No confusion, no mistakes, just a smart and supportive process that puts your children first and protects you both.

Can We Negotiate Child Support?
NO YOU CAN'T NEGOTIATE THE SUPPORT OF CHILDREN

How is child support calculated in Ontario?

Child support is calculated using the Ontario Child Support Table Guidelines. It’s based on the income of the paying parent and the number of dependent children. The amount is intended to ensure that children receive consistent financial support from both parents, regardless of custody or relationship status. Payments typically continue until the child turns 18 or completes post-secondary education.

What is the Family Responsibility Office (FRO)?

The Family Responsibility Office is a government agency in Ontario that enforces child and spousal support orders. If a parent doesn’t pay, the FRO can take steps like garnishing wages, seizing bank accounts, suspending driver’s licenses, or cancelling passports to ensure the money is collected.

What happens if I don’t pay child support?

If you miss payments, the FRO will enforce the order using legal actions like wage garnishment, property liens, collections, or suspending your license. Not paying child support has serious legal and financial consequences.

How do I register my support agreement with the FRO?

You can register your support payments by filing your signed separation agreement with the Ontario Court of Justice or Superior Court of Justice. Then submit the court-stamped agreement, affidavit for filing, and a completed FRO registration package directly to the Family Responsibility Office.

Can I stop paying support if my ex won’t let me see the kids?

No. Parenting time and child support are separate legal issues. You must continue paying support even if you are not getting access. Withholding payment can lead to enforcement actions.

Is child support the same across Canada?

Child support is guided by federal law, but each province adds its own rules. In Ontario, the federal guidelines apply, but local rules and procedures may influence how support is calculated or adjusted.

Do I have to pay support if we were never married?

Yes. Child support is the legal right of the child, not the parent. Whether or not you were married doesn’t affect your financial obligation.

Does bankruptcy cancel my child support obligations?

No. Filing for bankruptcy does not eliminate your responsibility to pay child support, including past due amounts.

Can the amount I pay be changed?

Yes. Child support can be recalculated annually or modified if there’s a major change in income, custody, or living arrangements. Either parent can request an adjustment through the court.

Can my wages be garnished for unpaid support?

Yes. Wage garnishment is one of several enforcement tools used by the FRO to collect unpaid child support. Other tools include seizing assets, tax refunds, or suspending licenses.

How does child support relate to custody?

Custody and support are separate issues. Custody refers to decision-making for the child, while support is based on income and the number of children. However, support may be adjusted depending on how much time the child spends with each parent.

Do I still owe support if my ex remarries?

Yes. Remarriage doesn’t change your obligation to financially support your children. Child support continues regardless of new relationships.

What if I’m self-employed?

If you’re self-employed, determining your income may be more complex. Courts may look beyond your tax return and assess your actual income based on business records, lifestyle, and expenses.

Do I have to pay for extracurricular activities like hockey or skating?

Sometimes. These costs may be considered special or extraordinary expenses, also known as Section 7 expenses. Both parents may share these costs if they’re reasonable and necessary for the child.

Does the other parent have to spend the money directly on the child?

No specific rules govern how support must be spent. It’s assumed that the receiving parent uses the money to meet the child’s basic needs, such as housing, food, and utilities.

Can I pay support directly to my child?

No. Support is usually paid to the other parent or guardian. Direct payment to the child is not standard unless they are an adult and fully independent.

What if I signed a pre-nup saying I wouldn’t pay support?

That clause would not be enforceable in Ontario. Child support is a legal right of the child, and parents cannot contract out of it.

Can I be required to pay support if I’m not the biological parent?

Yes. If you acted as a parent and created a parental bond, you might still have a legal obligation to pay support even if you’re not biologically related.

Is child support tax deductible?

No. Child support is not deductible for the paying parent and is not considered taxable income for the receiving parent.

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The Straight-Up Truth About Child Support: Your Kids Can't Live on Promises

When it comes to child support, there’s no room for sugar-coating. Your children’s well-being and future are on the line, and it’s about more than just money—it’s about responsibility, fairness, and, most importantly, love. So let’s dive into the gritty reality of child support, the misconceptions surrounding it, and how to navigate this crucial aspect of parenting post-divorce or separation.

The Cold, Hard Facts About Child Support

First off, child support is not a favour, nor is it a weapon. It’s a legal and moral responsibility. One parent paying the other to cover the expenses of raising the children they share. It’s meant to ensure that the kids’ standard of living doesn’t plummet just because their parents aren’t together anymore. Remember, the money is for the kids’ needs, not a paycheque for the ex.

Misconceptions and Mindsets

There are enough myths about child support to fill a book, but let’s tackle a big one: “If I can’t see my kids, I won’t pay.” Child support and access are two entirely separate issues. Withholding support as a form of retaliation only hurts the children, not the ex-partner. If access is an issue, address it legally, but don’t confuse it with financial support.

Another mindset that needs adjusting is the idea that child support is some sort of disguised alimony. Not at all. It’s about ensuring your children have what they need to thrive, from the roof over their heads to the shoes on their feet.

Navigating the Maze of Child Support

Here are some no-nonsense tips for dealing with child support, whether you’re receiving it or paying it:

Keep Impeccable Records: Receipts, bank statements, e-transfers. Keep everything organized. Whether you’re the payer or the payee, this is about accountability.
Communicate Like Adults: Your kids shouldn’t be messengers or, worse, bargaining chips. Discuss child support issues directly with your ex-partner, and keep the conversation focused on the kids’ needs.
Adjust When Necessary: Life happens. Jobs change, incomes fluctuate, and kids’ needs evolve. Be prepared to revisit the child support agreement as circumstances change, but always do it through the proper legal channels.
Seek Mediation If Needed: If you and your ex-partner hit a wall, consider mediation before dragging the issue through the courts. It’s less expensive, less adversarial, and can lead to a more amicable agreement.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, child support is about ensuring your children have the stability and security they need to grow into healthy, happy adults. It’s not about the past; it’s about their future. And isn’t that what all parents want for their kids?

For those navigating the choppy waters of child support, remember, it’s not just about the dollars and cents. It’s about love, responsibility, and doing what’s right for the most important people in this equation—your children.

What Do I Need To Know About Child Support?

Avoid costly mistakes—know your rights and responsibilities in Ontario. Move forward with a solid plan! Answer a few quick questions and instantly receive your FREE Ontario Divorce Plan specific to your situation. Start now and take control of your future!

“Child support is about making sure your kids have what they need, no matter what’s going on between you and your ex.

It’s not about punishment; it’s about responsibility. The Common Sense Divorce will help you get a clear, realistic plan in place so you’re doing right by your kids without getting in over your head.

The Common Sense Divorce focuses on what really matters—keeping your family’s stability intact.”

For more than 25 years you have witnessed Gail Vaz-Oxlade‘s trademark straight-up money wisdom, both on Radio and Television, most notably as host of TVs Till Debt Do Us Part, Princess and Money Moron. Gail is a best-selling Canadian financial author.

The Common Sense Divorce focuses on what really matters—keeping your family’s stability intact.”

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