Trusted Child Support Lawyer in Mississauga
When parents separate or divorce, determining child support is one of the most important steps in ensuring a child's well-being and financial stability. At IQBAL LAW, our experienced Mississauga family lawyer helps parents understand their legal rights, calculate the correct amount of child support, and resolve disputes fairly and efficiently.
Whether you need to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order, our team is committed to protecting your child's best interests while securing a fair outcome for both parents.
Get a ConsultationUnderstanding Child Support in Ontario
Expert legal guidance for Mississauga parents navigating child support laws
Child support is the financial contribution one parent provides to help cover the everyday expenses of raising a child after separation. It helps ensure that children continue to benefit from both parents' financial resources, regardless of living arrangements.
Ontario Child Support Laws
In Ontario, child support is governed by:
- The Federal Child Support Guidelines (under the Divorce Act) for married parents
- The Ontario Child Support Guidelines (under the Family Law Act) for unmarried or common-law parents
These laws set out how child support is determined, paid, and enforced across Ontario, including Mississauga and the GTA.
Who Is Entitled to Receive Child Support?
Generally, the parent with primary care (the parent the child lives with most of the time) receives child support from the other parent. However, in shared custody or split custody situations, both parents may owe support, depending on their incomes and parenting arrangements.
The Purpose of Child Support
The purpose of child support is not to reward or punish either parent—it's to meet the child's financial needs, including:
- Housing and food
- Clothing and basic necessities
- School supplies and educational costs
- Transportation
- Medical or extracurricular expenses
How Is Child Support Calculated in Ontario?
The amount of child support depends mainly on two factors:
- The paying parent's gross annual income
- The number of children being supported
The Federal Child Support Tables outline monthly payment amounts for different income levels and provinces. These tables are updated periodically and are available on the Department of Justice Canada website.
Special or Extraordinary Expenses (Section 7 Expenses)
In addition to the table amount, parents may share extra costs known as section 7 expenses, which can include:
- Childcare expenses (so the parent can work or attend school)
- Health-related costs not covered by insurance
- Educational expenses (e.g., tutoring, post-secondary tuition)
- Extracurricular or cultural activities
These are usually shared between parents in proportion to their respective incomes.
At IQBAL LAW, our Mississauga child support lawyer can help you calculate a fair and accurate amount, whether you are the payor or recipient.
Child Support in Shared or Split Custody
Shared Custody
When a child spends at least 40% of the time with each parent, this is considered shared custody.
In these cases, support may be adjusted to reflect the shared expenses and each parent's income. The court will consider:
- The child's living arrangements
- Direct expenses paid by each parent
- Any differences in income or household costs
Split Custody
If parents have more than one child and each has primary care of at least one child, this is known as split custody. Each parent calculates the table amount they would owe the other, and the difference is paid by the higher-income parent.
When Does Child Support End in Ontario?
Child support usually continues until the child reaches the age of majority (18 years old), but it may extend if the child is:
- Enrolled full-time in post-secondary education
- Unable to support themselves due to illness or disability
- Still financially dependent for valid reasons
Termination or reduction of support is not automatic—a court order or updated agreement is typically required. Our Mississauga family lawyer can help you apply to vary or end support when circumstances change.
Changing or Modifying Child Support Orders
You can request a variation in child support if there's been a material change in circumstances, such as:
Income Changes
Significant increase or decrease in income
Parenting Time
Change in parenting time arrangements
Child's Needs
The child's needs have changed
Self-Sufficiency
The child becomes self-sufficient
You may apply for a variation through the Ontario Court of Justice or Superior Court of Justice, or work with a lawyer to negotiate an updated agreement.
At IQBAL LAW, we handle both negotiated settlements and court applications, ensuring your financial interests are protected.
Retroactive Child Support
A parent can apply for retroactive child support if the paying parent failed to disclose income increases or did not pay fair support in the past. Courts can order payments backdated for several years, depending on:
- The reason for the delay in seeking support
- Whether income disclosure was provided honestly
- The child's ongoing need for financial support
If you believe you've been underpaid or overpaid, contact IQBAL LAW to explore your legal remedies.
Enforcement of Child Support in Ontario
The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) is responsible for enforcing child support orders and agreements.
FRO Enforcement Actions
If payments are not made, FRO can take enforcement actions, such as:
Wage Garnishment
Deducting payments directly from wages
Account Seizure
Freezing or seizing bank accounts
License Suspension
Suspending driver's licenses or passports
Property Liens
Placing liens on real property
If you are experiencing difficulties with enforcement—or facing enforcement action—you should seek immediate legal advice. IQBAL LAW can assist in negotiating payments, filing motions, or communicating with FRO on your behalf.
Tax Implications of Child Support
In Ontario:
- Child support payments are not tax-deductible for the paying parent
- The receiving parent does not report child support as taxable income
However, spousal support follows different tax rules. If you are paying or receiving both, it's important to separate these amounts clearly in your agreement or order.
Common Misconceptions About Child Support
Myth 1: Ends at 18
Fact: It may continue if the child is still dependent, such as attending school or living with a disability.
Myth 2: Job Loss Stops Payment
Fact: You must apply for a court-approved change; otherwise, arrears will continue to accumulate.
Myth 3: No Access, No Pay
Fact: Access and support are separate legal issues—non-payment can lead to enforcement action.
Why Choose IQBAL LAW for Child Support Matters in Mississauga
Experienced legal representation from a Trusted Family & Divorce Lawyer in Ontario - Iqbal Law, focused on protecting your child's future
Expertise in Ontario Law
Deep understanding of child support laws and guidelines, with specific expertise in Mississauga family courts
Personalized Legal Strategy
We tailor our approach to your unique family situation and financial circumstances
Efficient Dispute Resolution
Negotiation-focused approach to resolve disputes quickly, minimizing court time and costs
Strong Courtroom Advocacy
Effective litigation representation when settlement isn't possible
Compassionate Support
Guidance through emotional family transitions with respect and understanding
Results-Driven Service
Focused on securing fair outcomes that protect children's financial stability
We provide clear, practical, and results-driven representation for parents navigating child support disputes in Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Area.
Schedule Your ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about child support in Mississauga and Ontario
You can apply through the court or include child support terms in a separation agreement. A lawyer can help ensure it complies with the Child Support Guidelines and is legally enforceable.
FRO enforces and collects child support payments. They can deduct from wages, intercept tax refunds, or take other measures if payments are missed.
You must apply for a support variation as soon as your financial situation changes. Do not stop paying without court approval, as arrears will continue to build.
Yes, post-secondary education is often considered a special or extraordinary expense, and both parents may be required to contribute based on their incomes.
Yes, but it must be reasonable and in the child's best interests. Courts can set aside unfair agreements that don't meet legal standards.
Ontario has agreements with other provinces and countries to enforce child support orders across jurisdictions through reciprocal enforcement laws.
Only in very limited situations—usually when the child is over 18, living independently, and both parents agree or the court approves.