Raising a child is expensive. From clothing to extracurricular activities, there is always more money needed to spend on your child. When you are divorced or were never married, one party pays child support to the other to offset these costs and ensure the child’s well-being. There may come a time when one or both parties want to modify the existing child support arrangement. If you find yourself in this position, an Oakville child support modification lawyer needs to be your first call.
After a divorce, courts prioritize the child’s best interests, aiming to ensure both parents have the resources needed to raise them. Typically, one parent pays a percentage of their income as child support to help cover the child’s expenses. This responsibility usually falls on the parent who earns more or spends less time with the child.
Child support amounts generally range from one to 36 percent of the paying parent’s income, though several factors influence the final calculation. These include each parent’s gross income, the number of children, parenting time arrangements, and the province where the paying parent resides. If parents share decision-making responsibilities and parenting time, the income of both parents is considered in determining the support amount. An Oakville child support modification lawyer could help a paying or receiving parent understand these guidelines better.
One parent may ask for a modification in the amount of child support for a variety of reasons. Some reasons that a parent might be eligible for a change in child support include:
An Oakville lawyer could help a parent determine whether they are eligible for a modification of their child support agreement.
To request a child support modification in Oakville, start by having your lawyer help you ensure there is a significant change in circumstances, like altered income, new child-related expenses, or changes in parenting time. Gather supporting documents, such as income statements and expense records. If you and your co-parent agree on a new amount, you can create a revised support agreement and submit it for court approval. If not, you can file a “Motion to Change” form and, if needed, a “Financial Statement” with the family court.
You then need to serve the other parent with these documents to notify them formally. At the court hearing, both sides can present their cases, after which a judge will decide based on financial and other relevant factors. If approved, the new order is issued. Finally, if child support is handled by the Family Responsibility Office (FRO), you must notify them of the updated order to ensure adjustments.
At The Riley Divorce & Family Law Firm, we are prepared to help you navigate the process of a child support modification. Our team provides understanding and can answer all of your questions. Our Oakville child support modification lawyers are available 24/7 to provide you with immediate support when you need it. Call today to learn more.
The Riley Divorce & Family Law Firm
