Child Support

Child support helps meet the financial needs of children after parents separate or divorce. Understanding how child support is determined can be difficult, particularly when parents disagree about parenting arrangements, income or expenses. DeHa Law provides legal guidance to parents in St. Albert and surrounding communities regarding child support and related family-law matters.

Child Support Services in Alberta

Child support is generally based on the needs of the child and the financial circumstances of the parents. The applicable child support guidelines can help determine the basic amount payable, while certain circumstances may require additional consideration.

DeHa Law can assist with matters involving:

• Establishing child support
• Reviewing existing child support arrangements
• Changes to child support
• Special or extraordinary expenses
• Parenting arrangements connected with support
• Income information and support calculations
• Negotiating child support agreements
• Child support disputes and court proceedings

The appropriate approach depends on the circumstances of each family.

How Is Child Support Determined?

Child support calculations can involve several factors, including the income of the paying parent, the number of children and the applicable parenting arrangements. Federal and provincial legislation and guidelines may apply depending on the circumstances.

Child support is generally the right of the child rather than a payment that belongs to either parent. Parents may therefore have financial obligations even when they have different parenting arrangements.

A change in income, parenting time or the needs of a child may also affect an existing support arrangement. Legal advice can help you understand whether a change should be formally addressed.

Special and Extraordinary Expenses

Some expenses fall outside the basic child support amount. These may include certain childcare, educational, medical or other special expenses, depending on the circumstances.

Parents may disagree about whether an expense qualifies, how much each parent should contribute or whether an expense is necessary. These issues may require a review of the parents' financial circumstances and the child's needs.

Child Support and Parenting Arrangements

Child support and parenting arrangements are closely connected, but they are separate legal issues.

A change in parenting time does not automatically resolve every question about child support. Parents should consider both matters carefully when negotiating a separation or parenting agreement.

If you are also dealing with parenting issues, see our [Parenting](/practice-area/parenting) page for more information.

Changing an Existing Child Support Order

Circumstances can change after a child support order or agreement is established. Changes in income, employment, parenting arrangements or the needs of a child may require the existing arrangement to be reviewed.

Do not assume that a change in circumstances automatically changes a legal obligation. Depending on the situation, the existing order or agreement may need to be formally changed.

How Can a Child Support Lawyer Help?

A child support lawyer can help you understand the applicable rules, review financial information, assess support issues and negotiate with the other parent or their lawyer.

DeHa Law can also assist when parents cannot reach an agreement and court proceedings become necessary. The appropriate legal strategy depends on the facts of each case.