Child Support Lawyer in Whitby, Ontario
Fair Child Support for Ontario Families
Every child in Ontario has the right to financial support from both parents, regardless of whether the parents were married, common law, or never lived together. If you are seeking child support or responding to a support claim, Barnett Law provides clear, knowledgeable legal guidance to help you achieve a fair outcome.
Our Whitby family lawyer helps parents across Durham Region understand their child support obligations, calculate accurate amounts, and enforce or modify existing orders when circumstances change.
Child Support Services
Making sure your children receive the financial support they deserve.
1
Calculating Support
We apply the Federal Child Support Guidelines to determine the right amount based on income and custody time.
2
Special Expenses
Childcare, medical, educational, and extracurricular costs are shared proportionally between parents.
3
Enforcement & Modifications
If support isn’t being paid or circumstances change, we help enforce or modify orders through the court.
Modifying Child Support Orders
Child support orders are not permanent. Either parent can apply to vary a child support order when there has been a material change in circumstances, such as:
- Significant increase or decrease in either parent’s income
- Changes in the parenting time arrangement
- A child reaching the age of majority
- Changes in the child’s needs (medical, educational)
- Job loss or retirement of the paying parent
It is important to apply for a variation promptly rather than simply stopping payments. Unpaid child support accumulates as arrears and is enforceable even after the child reaches adulthood.
Enforcing Child Support in Ontario
1. Garnishing wages and bank accounts
Garnishing wages and bank accounts
2. Suspending driver's licences and passports
Suspending driver’s licences and passports
3. Reporting to credit bureaus
Reporting to credit bureaus
4. Placing liens on property
Placing liens on property
5. Contempt of court proceedings (which can result in
Contempt of court proceedings (which can result in fines or imprisonment)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much child support will I have to pay in Ontario?
The amount depends on your gross annual income and the number of children. You can estimate your obligation using the Federal Child Support Tables. A family lawyer can help determine the accurate amount, especially when income is variable or undisclosed.
Can child support be waived in a separation agreement?
No. Child support is the right of the child, not the parents. Even if both parents agree to waive child support, a court can set aside that provision if it does not adequately provide for the child.
When does child support end in Ontario?
Child support generally continues until the child turns 18. However, it may continue beyond 18 if the child is enrolled in full-time post-secondary education, has a disability, or is unable to become self-sufficient.
What if the other parent hides their income?
A lawyer can request financial disclosure, subpoena tax returns, and ask the court to impute income based on the parent’s spending, lifestyle, and earning capacity.
Can I change a child support order?
Yes. Either parent can apply to vary child support when there has been a material change in circumstances, such as a significant income change or a change in the parenting arrangement.
What happens if I stop paying child support?
Unpaid child support accumulates as arrears and is enforceable by the Family Responsibility Office. Consequences include wage garnishment, licence suspension, and potential contempt of court proceedings.
Related Services
Child Custody
Spousal Support
Divorce
Contact Barnett Law Today
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As a top law firm in Canada, you can rely on us to handle your case with confidentiality and professionalism. Get in touch with us today to start your journey towards a successful real estate dispute claim. 1+ (647) 936-2529
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