LAWCRESTChild and spousal support lawyer in Mississauga
Support affects your finances and your family stability. Lawcrest helps payors and recipients across Mississauga and the GTA understand how support works, negotiate fair agreements, change existing arrangements and enforce orders, with clear advice and practical solutions.
Child and spousal support follow guidelines and strict disclosure rules. Get advice before you agree to an amount, or stop paying.
416-830-3369Fair support for your family
Child support is the right of a child to financial support from both parents. Spousal support may be owed between spouses after separation, depending on need, ability to pay and the circumstances of the relationship.
Both are guided by federal and provincial laws and by published guidelines. Your income, your family situation and your parenting arrangements all matter.
We explain how the rules apply to you, protect your interests and work toward an amount and an agreement that are fair and sustainable.
- Support recipientsSeeking or protecting the support you are owed.
- Support payorsMaking sure the amount is fair and properly calculated.
- Parents and spousesChanging or enforcing an existing arrangement.
How we help
If your situation is not listed, call us. We will tell you plainly how we can help.
Child support
Setting and negotiating support based on the guidelines and parenting arrangements.
Special and extraordinary expenses
Sharing costs such as child care, medical needs, education and activities.
Spousal support
Entitlement, amount and duration of support between spouses.
Retroactive support
Claims for support that should have been paid in the past.
Changing support
Applying to change support after a significant change in circumstances.
Enforcement
Collecting unpaid support, including through government enforcement.
Support for adult children
Support for children who remain dependent, for example while studying.
Income and disclosure disputes
Self-employed income, hidden income and incomplete financial disclosure.
When should you speak to a lawyer?
Early advice helps you avoid costly mistakes. Contact us if any of these sound familiar.
- You are separating and need to sort out supportUnderstand your rights before you agree.
- Your income or circumstances have changedSupport may need to be adjusted.
- Payments have stopped or are lateEnforcement options are available.
- You are asked to sign a support agreementReview it before you sign.
- The other side is hiding incomeDisclosure rules can help.
- You received a court application about supportDeadlines to respond can be short.
How support is set
Support is not decided by guesswork. These are the main tools and factors used in Ontario.
- Child support guidelinesTables based on the payor income and the number of children, with adjustments for parenting time.
- Special and extraordinary expensesShared costs on top of the table amount, such as child care and medical expenses.
- Spousal support advisory guidelinesRanges for amount and duration based on income and the length of the relationship.
- EntitlementBased on need, compensation for career sacrifices or an agreement.
- Financial disclosureBoth sides must provide full and accurate income and financial information.
- Tax treatmentChild support and spousal support are treated differently for tax, so check with an accountant.
Ways to resolve support
There is more than one path. We explain each, including the likely time and cost, so you can choose with confidence.
AgreementA written, binding arrangement
You and the other party agree on support in a separation agreement or domestic contract, with independent legal advice for each person.
NegotiationUsing the guidelines
Lawyers use the support guidelines and disclosure to reach a fair figure without court.
MediationA neutral helps you agree
A mediator helps you reach a voluntary agreement. It is confidential and often faster than court.
Court applicationWhen agreement is not possible
A judge decides support based on the evidence and the guidelines. We prepare your case and represent you.
EnforcementCollecting what is owed
Support orders can be registered for enforcement, which has tools to collect unpaid support.
How we work with you
A clear process, with no surprises about where your matter stands.
Consultation
You tell us about your family and finances. We listen, ask the right questions and explain how support works.
Gather income information
We identify the income and financial documents needed, for both sides.
Estimate support
We apply the guidelines to give you a realistic range and explain what affects it.
Negotiate
We work to reach a fair agreement with the other side wherever possible.
Agreement or court
We prepare an agreement, or an application to the court, as needed.
Follow-through
We help you put the arrangement in place, change it later or enforce it.
Do not stop paying, or accept less, without advice
A support order stays in force until a court or a valid agreement changes it. If your income drops or your situation changes, apply to change it. Stopping payments on your own can build up arrears and lead to enforcement.
If you are owed support, delay can make collection harder. Contact us early, and bring any orders, agreements and payment records.
How we price our work
We discuss costs at the start, so you can plan and decide with confidence.
Initial adviceFirst step
A clear explanation of how support applies to you and a realistic range.
Support agreementNegotiated settlement
Negotiating and preparing a support agreement, with independent legal advice for each person.
Change of supportWhen circumstances change
Applications to increase, reduce or end support after a material change.
Court proceedingsIf agreement is not possible
Applications and representation, from first filing to trial or settlement.
EnforcementCollecting unpaid support
Steps to collect arrears and to register an order for enforcement.
What to bring to your consultation
Do not worry if you do not have everything. Bring what you can, and we will tell you what else is useful.
- Government-issued photo ID
- Tax returns and notices of assessment for recent years
- Recent pay stubs, or business financial statements
- Any existing orders, agreements and payment records
- Details of children expenses, such as child care and medical costs
- Any court papers you have received
Why clients choose Lawcrest
You are trusting us at an important and personal time. This is how we earn that trust.
Plain-language advice
No jargon. You understand each step and each choice before we act.
Cost clarity
We discuss our fees at the start so you can plan with full information.
Numbers made clear
We explain how support is calculated, so you understand every figure.
Confidential
What you tell us is protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Responsive
Your questions get answers, and you hear from us as your matter moves.
Practical approach
We look for the quickest route to a fair, workable result, and we do not escalate for its own sake.
Regulated lawyers
Lawcrest is a professional corporation regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Local and accessible
Meet us at our Matheson Blvd office in Mississauga, or arrange a call.
Frequently asked questions
Still not sure? Call 416-830-3369 and we will talk it through.
How much child support will I pay or receive?
It is mainly based on the payor income and the number of children, using the federal guidelines tables. Parenting time and special expenses can change the result. We estimate a figure for your situation.
Is spousal support automatic?
No. It depends on factors such as need, ability to pay, the length of the relationship and how roles in the family affected careers. We assess whether it is likely in your case.
How long does spousal support last?
It depends. Guidelines suggest ranges based on the length of the relationship and other factors. Some support ends at a set date, and some is reviewed.
Can support be changed?
Yes, if there is a material change in circumstances, such as a major change in income or in the children situation. We explain how to apply.
What if the other person does not pay?
Support orders can be enforced, including through the government enforcement program, which can use tools like wage deductions. We help you take the right steps.
Is support taxable?
Child support is generally not taxable to the recipient or deductible by the payor. Spousal support is generally taxable to the recipient and deductible by the payor. Check with your accountant.
Can I claim support for past years?
In some cases, retroactive child support can be claimed. It depends on the facts, so get advice early.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. Your communications with us are protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Testimonials
They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable. We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next.
Carolean
Worker
We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next. They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable.
Elena
Founder of a company
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