Calgary's Child Support Lawyer

Child support is calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which consider the payor's Guideline Income, the number of children, and the parenting schedule. The calculation is standardized, but income determination can be complication in complex divorce or for business owners or individuals with variable earnings. Our full guide: how child support is calculated in Alberta.

Base (table) child support covers day-to-day needs such as food, clothing, and basic shelter.

Section 7 expenses are additional costs like childcare, medical expenses, extracurricular activities, and post-secondary education. These are usually shared proportionate to each parent's income.

Guideline Income is based on Line 15000 of your tax return, adjusted for factors such as:

• Dividends and shareholder loans
• Corporate benefits
• Bonuses and commissions
• Retained earnings
• Rental or investment income
• Non-recurring income

For business owners, a detailed financial review may be required to determine true income.

If each parent has the child 40% or more of the time, support is calculated using the set-off method. Each parent's table amount is determined, and the difference is paid by the higher-income parent. Our full guide: child support in shared (50/50) parenting.

Courts can impute income when a parent is intentionally under-employed, failing to disclose income, or using corporate structures to reduce reported earnings. This ensures support reflects actual financial capacity.

Section 7 expenses are shared based on each parent's proportionate income. For example, if one parent earns 70% of the combined income, they typically pay 70% of Section 7 costs. Our full guide: Section 7 special expenses.

Yes. Child support can be varied when there is a material change in circumstances, such as income changes, new Section 7 expenses, or changes in the parenting schedule. Annual income updates are recommended.

Retroactive support may be ordered when a parent:

• Failed to disclose income increases
• Paid less than required
• Delayed updating support
• Avoided financial disclosure

Courts can order support going back several years depending on the circumstance. Our full guide: retroactive child support in Alberta.

The Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) can enforce payment by:

• Garnishing wages
• Seizing bank accounts
• Suspending licences
• Registering liens
• Intercepting tax refunds

MEP is a powerful enforcement tool when support is unpaid.

Yes. Child support for unmarried parents is governed by Alberta's Family Law Act, but the calculation method is the same as for married parents under the Federal Guidelines.

Support typically continues until a child is:

• 18 and independent, or
• Over 18 but still dependent due to school, disability, or other factors

Post-secondary support is common and often includes tuition, books, and living expenses.

Parents can negotiate support, but agreements must be consistent with the child's best interests. Courts may set aside agreements that significantly deviate from the Guidelines without justification.

Common documents include:

• Tax returns and Notices of Assessment
• Pay stubs
• Corporate financial statements
• Investment and rental income records
• Childcare and medical receipts
• Post-secondary documentation

Complete disclosure ensures accurate and enforceable support.

Not necessarily. Child support can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or court. Legal guidance ensures calculations are accurate, agreements are enforceable, and your child's needs are fully addressed.

The first step is a consultation to review income, parenting arrangements, Section 7 expenses, and your goals. From there, a clear strategy is developed to ensure your child's financial needs are met and your rights are protected.