The divorce rate in Canada usually averages at 38%. However, with self-isolation and home quarantine, more couples seem to be discovering that they are incompatible with their partners, which could lead to a spike in this average.
This growing rate of divorce brings with it a few concerns. Most notably, if you are someone who has children and is seeking a divorce, it is natural to wonder about what is and what isn't included in child support.
As an experienced family lawyer in Prince George, here is our outline of what to expect.
The Concept of Child Support
In a nutshell, child support is an amount of money that is intended to help the parent with custody meet the living expenses of a child. This includes a varied list of basic expenses like food, clothing, housing expenses, personal care, utilities and more. Every child has a right to child support from both parents.
Calculating Child Support in British Columbia
Most Canadian provinces and territories are largely based on the Federal model for child support, with the exception of Quebec that follows its own system.
Whether you're a married, or unmarried parent, the Child Support laws in British Columbia require you to provide child support until your child turns nineteen. In most circumstances, child support will include basic expenses (table amount), and additional expenses called "special expenses".
Table Amount
Every Canadian province and territory have their own child support table that includes basic monthly expenses due in child support. This table covers basic amenities like clothing, food, school supplies and is calculated by taking the gross parent's income and their number of children into consideration.
Special Expenses
In addition to the table amount, most Child Support Guidelines also require the payor parent to cover special or extraordinary expenses. These expenses are included under two conditions:
The payor parent can afford the amount
These expenses are in the best interest of the child
Some examples include daycare fees, medical insurance, tutor fees, post-secondary education fees and fees for extracurricular activities. Both parents are required to contribute to child support in accordance with their income.
Other Factors That Affect the Amount Due
The child support amount is usually decided based on a few factors. These could include:
The type of parenting arrangement
Financial difficulties and the earning capacity of the parent
The age of the child
The special needs or requirements of a child
The cost of living and tax rates of a particular area
Additionally, the gross incomes of both parents will also be taken into consideration while deciding the amount of child support due.
Finding a Family Lawyer in Prince George
Would you like to learn more about the child support laws of British Columbia? Do you feel like your child is not getting the support they need from your former spouse or partner? Or perhaps, you feel like you are paying far too much in child support.
Whatever your needs are, we at Dick Byl Law are here to help. Give us a call or fill up this form to schedule an appointment with a reputable family lawyer in Prince George.