If you’re looking for a family lawyer who can help with child support, look no further.

Our lawyers are experienced in progressive approaches to child support law and we can help you get the money your child deserves. We take a proactive approach to help you understand your rights and options under the law.

Children have many different expenses, making child support a complex area of the law. Parents are required to work and earn enough money to support them, and when they choose not to work or pay support, there can be extreme consequences. You may have been married, common law, or have not lived together at all. Regardless of the situation, there are guidelines you have to follow to support your child or children. You need a lawyer who understands what you’re going through and knows how to fight for what’s best for your family. With Pax Law, you will have a team of lawyers who are on your side and want to see you succeed.

Understanding Child Support in British Columbia

Child support in British Columbia is governed by the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which ensure that children receive appropriate financial support from both parents after separation or divorce. The following frequently asked questions highlight key aspects of child support obligations and enforcement in BC.

The cost of child support depends on each parent’s income and the custody arrangements in place. If a child resides primarily with one parent, the other parent is typically required to pay support based on the income tables outlined in the Guidelines.

A parent must continue to pay child support as long as the child is considered a “dependent child.” This typically includes children under the age of majority (19 in BC) and those still in school or unable to support themselves due to disability.

Even if custody is split 50/50, child support may still be payable. If one parent earns significantly more than the other, they may be required to make payments to balance the financial responsibilities between the two households.

There is no general statute of limitations on child support in BC, meaning unpaid child support can still be claimed after many years. However, a one-year limitation applies to claims from step-parents after their relationship with the child ends.

Many people wonder how much a parent—typically the father—must pay in child support. The reality is that no fixed percentage applies. The amount is based on a complex formula that considers the parents’ incomes, living situations, and number of children.

Pax Law Corporation strongly discourages attempts to avoid child support. All parents have a legal and ethical duty to contribute to their child’s upbringing. Refusing to pay support may negatively affect your family law case and lead to serious legal consequences.

A common question is when a child can choose which parent to live with. In BC, once a child turns 19, they are legally free to decide. Before that age, the court may consider the child’s preferences as one factor, but the overriding principle is always the child’s best interests.

Failure to pay child support may result in serious legal repercussions, including being found in contempt of court. In extreme cases, a judge may issue a jail order for willful non-compliance.

If a parent refuses to pay child support, the receiving parent can take enforcement measures. They may hire a lawyer to garnish wages, apply for seizure of property, or register with the British Columbia Family Maintenance Enforcement Program (FMEP), which helps enforce support orders.

Custody, often misunderstood as a right, is actually a responsibility determined by the court based on what is best for the child. Custody arrangements can be made by agreement between the parents or through a court order.

If a parent is unemployed, child support may still be payable. Courts may impute income to a parent who is intentionally unemployed or underemployed, ensuring they do not avoid their support obligations through artificial means.

Ultimately, child support is a legal obligation meant to protect the child’s financial well-being. The calculation is not a matter of guesswork but a structured process rooted in federal legislation. If you are facing a child support issue, it is always best to consult with an experienced family law lawyer in British Columbia.

The above is not intended for legal advice please contact a lawyer. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.