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Child Support

Court Battles Drain You. Choose the Path of Peace

Court Battles Drain You. Choose the Path of Peace – Child support is based on the fundamental principle that both biological parents (regardless of the parent’s involvement in the child’s life) share a responsibility to contribute to their child’s upbringing. Child support payments can be a huge cause of contention among divorcing couples in British Columbia due largely in part to the fact that the recipient of child support has discretion over how the funds are utilized, as long as the child’s needs are met. In addition, there are 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.

The mediator’s role in child support discussions is to assist the parents in reaching a fair and mutually acceptable child support agreement that prioritizes the best interests of the child, and is tailored to the unique circumstances and lifestyle of their family. The alternative is adhering to a standard template imposed by the BC courts.

What is Child Support?

Child support payments are typically made on a monthly basis and are intended to cover the child’s basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter. In some cases, additional support may be required for expenses like education or extracurricular activities. The determination of who pays child support and the amount owed is typically determined based on the Federal Child Support Guidelines. These guidelines consider factors such as the income of both parents, the number of children involved, the custody arrangements, and any special expenses related to the children, such as childcare or medical expenses. Even with these legal guidelines in place to ensure fairness, the prospect of creating a bespoke agreement that caters to their specific situation is often attractive to parents going through separation. 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 of child support 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.

It's important to note that child support obligations are legally binding, and failure to pay child support can result in legal consequences, such as wage garnishment or enforcement by the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program (FMEP) in BC. Additionally, child support arrangements can be enforced and modified through the BC Family Court system if necessary.

Ready to
Learn More?

If you’re ready to take the next step toward an easier 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 pave the way for a brighter future for you and your family.

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