Child & Spousal Support
Support obligations are among the most important — and most contested — issues in Ontario family law. Kassa Family Law provides clear advice on child support and spousal support to clients in Oakville, Hamilton, and across Ontario.
Child Support in Ontario
In Ontario, both parents have a legal obligation to financially support their children after separation or divorce. Child support is calculated primarily based on the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which use the paying parent's income and the number of children to determine a base monthly amount.
In addition to the base amount, parents share special and extraordinary expenses proportionally — including daycare, extracurricular activities, tutoring, and medical or dental costs. If a child is over 18 and still dependent (for example, enrolled in post-secondary education), support obligations may continue.
Spousal Support in Ontario
Spousal support may be payable after separation or divorce, depending on the length of the relationship, the roles each spouse played, each spouse's income and earning capacity, and the impact of the relationship on each spouse's financial position.
Spousal support amounts and duration are guided by the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAGs). There is significant discretion involved, and a lawyer can help you understand what you may be entitled to — or what your obligations may be.
Retroactive Support and Arrears
- ■Retroactive child support claims where support was not paid or was underpaid
- ■Enforcement of existing support orders or agreements
- ■Variations to support orders based on changed circumstances
- ■Dealing with support arrears and enforcement proceedings
- ■Advice on income disclosure obligations
How Kassa Family Law Can Help
- ■Calculating child support under the Federal Child Support Guidelines
- ■Advising on special and extraordinary expense sharing
- ■Assessing and advising on spousal support entitlement, amount, and duration
- ■Negotiating fair support arrangements
- ■Drafting enforceable support agreements
- ■Varying support orders when circumstances change
- ■Addressing retroactive support and arrears
Why Early Legal Advice Matters
Support issues can be financially significant. Getting early legal advice ensures you understand your entitlements and obligations from the outset. Waiting too long — or agreeing to informal arrangements — can make it harder to later claim what you are entitled to or to enforce obligations.
Get Legal Advice Today
Speak with Anteneh Kassa about your family law matter. Serving Oakville, Hamilton, and Ontario.
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Contact Kassa Family Law today for a confidential consultation. We serve clients in Oakville, Hamilton, and throughout Ontario.