Child Support

child support bc divorce

Court Battles Drain You. Choose the Path of Peace

Determining child support while creating a divorce agreement is often one of the most contentious parts of a divorce. Your child’s future and security are of the utmost importance, and getting it right ensures they have everything they need in the future. 
The Federal Child Support Guidelines typically determine who pays and the amount owed. Even with these legal guidelines in place to ensure fairness, creating an agreement that caters to their specific situation is often attractive to parents going through separation.
Child support can apply to circumstances where individuals may be required to financially support a child who is not their biological offspring. This includes step-parents or individuals who assume parental responsibilities for a child.
To learn your rights and how to best prepare for your child’s future, book a Free Consultation.

What is Child Support?

Child support payments are intended to cover the child’s basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter, and are typically made monthly. For some families, this can also include expenses such as education or extracurricular activities.


The child support agreement is there to prioritizes the best interests of the child. By creating your child support agreement with a mediator, you can ensure that each family’s unique circumstances and lifestyle are considered instead of being subjected to the terms of the standard template imposed by the BC courts.


Here’s how we can assist you:

Financial Disclosure
01
Both parents must provide full and accurate financial information, including income, expenses, assets, and liabilities, to assess the financial circumstances of each party.
Child Support Guidelines
02
The mediator will explain the child support guidelines in British Columbia and how they apply to the parents' situation. This includes calculating the basic amount payable based on the parents' incomes and the number of children.
Child's Needs
03
During mediation you will discuss the specific needs of the child (ren), including education, healthcare, extracurricular activities, and any special requirements, to determine the appropriate level of financial support.
Duration of Child Support
04
Child support continues until the child reaches the age of 19 in British Columbia. However, payments may extend beyond this age if the child is pursuing post-secondary education or faces a serious chronic illness that impedes self-sufficiency.
Parenting Arrangements
05
The parenting arrangements, including the amount of time each parent spends with the child and any shared parenting responsibilities, will be discussed when determining the appropriate amount of child support.
Flexibility and Changes
06
The mediator will discuss the importance of flexibility in the child support arrangement and how changes in circumstances, such as changes in income or parenting arrangements, will be addressed over time.
Communication and Co-Parenting
07
The mediator may facilitate discussions about effective communication and co-parenting strategies to ensure that the child's needs are prioritized and that both parents are involved in decision-making regarding the child's upbringing.
Documentation and Agreement
08
Once an agreement is reached, the mediator will help the parents document the terms of the child support arrangement in writing, including the amount of support, payment schedule, and any other relevant terms.

Child support obligations are legally binding. They ensure the security of the child of any divorced family in BC. If either party does not uphold the terms of a child support and custody agreement, they will face legal consequences. This is why it's beneficial to work with a mediator to be involved in the creation of your separation and divorce agreements.

Ready to
Learn More?

If you’re ready to take the next step toward a quick divorce or legal separation in British Columbia and move forward with your life, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule an online consultation call and discover how divorce mediation can help achieve a cost-effective, fast divorce and pave the way for a brighter future for you and your family.