Spousal & Child Support

Spousal & Child Support

Support is financial payments made by one person to another after separation or divorce to help meet living expenses.

In Ontario, support includes spousal support and child support. Spousal support is based on factors such as the length of the relationship, roles during the marriage, and financial need and ability to pay. Child support is the right of the child, and the court will always ensure it is fair and in the child’s best interests, regardless of any agreement between the parties.

The amount of child support is generally determined using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which consider the income of the paying parent and the number of children. Spousal support may be calculated with reference to the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines, although these are not strictly binding. Payments can be made on a periodic basis or as a lump sum, depending on the circumstances. In some cases, support orders may be enforced through the Family Responsibility Office (FRO). Support arrangements may also be reviewed or varied if there is a significant change in financial or personal circumstances.