Child and spousal support
For parents and spouses who need to set, check or change a support amount.
What it costs
Hourly
Billed by the hour. We quote an estimate in writing and set it out in your retainer before any work starts.
How our fees work1.Overview
Child support is set by the Child Support Guidelines, which give a table amount based on the paying parent's income and the number of children. Parents also share special expenses such as child care, braces and sports. Spousal support is less fixed, and lawyers and courts usually look to the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines for a range. We run the numbers with you, explain the range and help you ask for a change when your income or your children's needs change.
Child support starts with a table amount from the federal Child Support Guidelines. We confirm the income used for the table, which is where most disputes begin. Bonuses, overtime and self-employment income all need a closer look.
Spousal support is less exact. We work through the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines with you and show you the low, middle and high end of the range, and why a court might pick one over another.
2.What is included
- 2.1Table child support calculations
- 2.2Special and extraordinary expenses
- 2.3Spousal support ranges
- 2.4Income review for self-employed parents
- 2.5Motions to change an existing order
3.Papers to bring
You do not need all of these for the first meeting. Bring what you have, and your clerk will tell you what is still missing.
- a.Three years of tax returns for both of you, if you have them
- b.Recent pay stubs
- c.Receipts for child care, activities and health costs
- d.Any existing support order
4.How it usually goes
This issue can be settled by agreement or decided by a judge. We try negotiation or mediation first. If that fails, or if a child's safety is at risk, we go to court.
Every file starts with a short call, a consultation, a written retainer and financial disclosure. See the stages on our how a case moves timeline.
Questions about support
Each answer is general information. Your lawyer will tell you how it applies to you.
Can support be changed later?
Yes. If income or the children's needs change in a real way, either of you can ask for a change by agreement or by a motion to change.
Who collects support payments?
Most court orders are filed with the Family Responsibility Office, which collects and pays out support. You can also opt out if you both agree.
How much does a first consultation cost?
A one-hour consultation is $250 plus HST. If you hire us, we credit that amount to your account.
Do you accept Legal Aid Ontario certificates?
Yes, for family law matters. Legal Aid Ontario decides who qualifies, so apply to them first and bring your certificate to the consultation.
Can you act for both my spouse and me?
No. In family law we can act for only one spouse. Your spouse will need their own lawyer, and the Law Society Referral Service can help them find one.
Start with one hour and a written quote.
(613) 555-0117- Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Evening video meetings by appointment
- Saturday and Sunday, closed
