Child support refers to a child's right to be financially supported by the non-custodial parent. This financial support is generally paid on a monthly basis.

The amount of child support a payor parent is obligated to pay is often referred to as the ‘table amount’ as this number is derived from a table of calculations set out in the Federal Child Support Guidelines. This table amount is calculated based on the payor’s income and the number of children that they are entitled to support.

In addition to basic monthly child support or table amount, section 7 of the Federal Child Support Guidelines specifically addresses those “special or extraordinary expenses” which the basic monthly child support or table amount does not include. These "special expenses" include childcare expenses, extracurricular activities, orthodontics, and medical and dental care costs not covered by OHIP or the parents’ health benefits, and post-secondary expenses. These expenses are shared  in proportion to the parties’ incomes after deducting the child's own contribution, if any.

Whether you are the recipient or payor parent, being uninformed of your legal rights when making such informal agreements can result in receiving less than you are entitled to or paying more than you are obligated to pay.

If you would like to speak with one of our lawyers regarding any issues regarding child support, please contact us at (416) 840-1475 or schedule your free initial consultation here.