Child & Spousal Support
Child and spousal support are among the most important financial responsibilities that arise when a relationship ends. TM Law Professional Corporation has over 16 years of experience helping families understand how support is determined, calculated, and enforced under Ontario and Federal law. We assist clients throughout Brampton and surrounding areas with clear, practical guidance and strong legal support during this transition.
Working with a child support lawyer brampton or a spousal support lawyer brampton ensures that you understand your full rights and obligations before any agreement is finalized.
Child Support
Child support exists to ensure children continue to receive appropriate financial care from both parents after separation. In Canada, support is determined primarily by the Federal Child Support Guidelines. These guidelines provide the base monthly payment amount based on:
- The paying parent’s annual income
- The number of children
- The province where the paying parent resides
The Federal Tables outline the exact amounts payable and are widely used by courts and lawyers across Canada.
When one parent has the child or children for 60% of the time or more, the other parent pays the table amount according to the guidelines. When parents share parenting time equally (50/50), each parent calculates their table amount, and the higher-income parent pays the difference between the two amounts.
Child support is meant to cover a child’s basic needs, including food, clothing, and day-to-day expenses. However, many children require additional support for expenses that go beyond the basics.
Special or Extraordinary Expenses
In addition to the base amount, parents may need to contribute to special or extraordinary expenses. These may include:
- Medical or dental expenses such as braces, physiotherapy, or eyewear
- Education-related costs
- School trips or tutoring
- Childcare or daycare
- Sports, music, or other extracurricular programs
These expenses are usually shared proportionate to each parent’s income. We help parents understand how these amounts are calculated, what qualifies as an extraordinary expense, and how to document financial contributions properly.
Spousal Support
Spousal support is more complex than child support, because entitlement must first be established before any amount or duration is discussed. Canadian law is clear that marriage alone does not automatically entitle a spouse to support. Instead, entitlement typically falls into one of the following categories:
- Compensatory entitlement (to compensate for sacrifices made)
- Contractual entitlement (based on agreements)
- Non-compensatory or needs-based entitlement
Case law shows that spouses may be compensated for foregone career opportunities, reduced earning potential, or economic disadvantages experienced during the relationship.
Once entitlement is determined, the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines provide a helpful framework for the amount and duration of support. These guidelines are not strict laws, but they are widely used across Canada to produce consistent, fair outcomes.
Factors considered in spousal support calculations may include:
- Length of the relationship
- Roles and contributions during the marriage
- Each spouse’s income and financial needs
- Child-related responsibilities
- Standard of living during the relationship
We assist clients with assessing entitlement, calculating fair support ranges, negotiating terms, and preparing enforceable agreements.
Variation of Support
Both child support and spousal support can be reviewed or changed if circumstances significantly change. Examples include:
- A decrease or increase in income
- Job loss or employment changes
- New childcare needs
- Health conditions
- New extraordinary expenses
We help clients understand when variation is appropriate and guide them through updating support orders or agreements.
Why Work With Our Firm
Support matters require accurate financial calculations, a solid understanding of federal and provincial law, and thoughtful negotiation. With more than a decade of experience assisting families, our approach includes:
- Clear explanation of legal rights and obligations
- Accurate guideline-based calculations
- Strong negotiation and advocacy
- Practical, fair, and sustainable agreements
- A supportive legal process from start to finish
We ensure every support agreement or decision protects your long-term stability and meets the needs of your children and family.
Get Expert Legal Guidance
Get expert guidance on your legal matter before moving forward. Our team will review your case, provide a clear evaluation, and offer practical legal advice tailored to your situation. We are committed to delivering effective representation, support, and guidance at every stage of the process.