Family Law
Child Support Lawyers
Child support is your child's right. We help Surrey parents understand the Federal Child Support Guidelines, sort out special expenses, and keep support fair as life changes.
Money conversations after a separation are rarely easy, and conversations about supporting your children can feel especially loaded. Whether you expect to pay support or receive it, you probably just want to know what is fair and what the law actually requires. That is a reasonable place to start. Our Surrey family lawyers explain child support in plain language, without judgment, so you can focus on what matters most, your children.
In Canada, child support follows the Federal Child Support Guidelines. The basic amount is driven primarily by the paying parent's income and the number of children. It is important to know that support is the right of the child, not of either parent. It cannot be traded away as a bargaining chip, and courts take it seriously. Because the framework is income based, most cases come down to establishing income accurately and applying the guidelines properly.
On top of the basic amount, parents usually share special expenses like childcare, certain medical and dental costs, and activities, generally in proportion to their incomes. Things get more complicated when income is disputed, for example where a parent is self-employed, paid in cash, or earns through a company. In those situations, careful work is needed to determine what income figure support should really be based on, and we know where to look.
Life changes, and support can change with it. A job loss, a new income level, or a change in parenting arrangements can all justify revisiting the amount. Support obligations can also be enforced when payments stop, including through BC's Family Maintenance Agency, the province's enforcement program. Wherever you are in the process, we offer a free case evaluation so you can understand your rights and obligations before making decisions.
How we can help
Guideline calculations
Applying the Federal Child Support Guidelines to your family's situation so the amount is accurate and fair.
Special expenses
Sorting out how special expenses like childcare, health costs and children's activities are fairly shared between parents.
Income disputes
Digging into self-employment, corporate and cash income so support is based on real earnings, not paper figures.
Changing support
Helping you increase or reduce support when income, parenting arrangements or your children's needs genuinely change over time.
Enforcement issues
Advising on unpaid support and how enforcement works in BC, including the Family Maintenance Agency program.
Agreements and orders
Putting support terms into clear agreements or court orders that protect your children and prevent future disputes.
Common questions
How is child support calculated in BC?
Child support follows the Federal Child Support Guidelines. The basic monthly amount depends primarily on the paying parent's income and the number of children. Special expenses, like childcare and activities, are usually shared on top of that in proportion to each parent's income. A lawyer can confirm how the guidelines apply to you.
Can we agree to no child support?
Child support is the right of the child, not the parents, so it cannot simply be bargained away. Courts will look closely at any agreement that departs from the guidelines. If your situation is unusual, get advice before signing anything, so your agreement holds up later.
What if the other parent is self-employed?
Self-employment income can be genuinely harder to pin down, since business deductions and corporate structures affect what appears on a tax return. In these cases income may need closer examination to determine a fair figure for support purposes. This is one of the most common areas where legal help really matters.
Does child support cover activities and childcare?
The basic guideline amount covers ordinary living costs. Special expenses, such as childcare, certain medical and dental costs, and some extracurricular activities, are typically shared separately, usually in proportion to each parent's income. What counts as a special expense depends on your family's circumstances, which we can review with you.
Can child support be changed later?
Yes. Support is meant to reflect current circumstances, so a real change, like a different income or new parenting arrangements, can justify an updated amount. It is far better to address changes properly than to quietly pay less, since arrears can build up and be enforced later.
What happens if support is not paid?
Support orders and agreements can be enforced in BC, including through the Family Maintenance Agency, the province's enforcement program. If you are owed support, or you have fallen behind and want to make things right, we can explain your options during a free case evaluation.
Get clear, judgment-free advice on child support
No pressure and no obligation. Just a clear conversation about where you stand and what comes next.