Child Support in Calgary

At MM Law, our child support lawyers in Calgary deliver experienced and strategic representation in all matters related to child support, including determining, modifying, and enforcing child support orders. We ensure your rights and obligations are understood and addressed, whether you are seeking to advance a claim or responding to a claim for child support.

Child Support Services

We provide comprehensive legal services for all aspects of child support. Whether you are seeking to establish, vary, or enforce a child support order, our team is ready to support you.

Initial Child Support Calculation

We help clients determine the accurate child support payment, which is based on a parent’s income and the parenting arrangement. The child support amount is calculated using Alberta Child Support Guidelines or Federal Child Support Guidelines.

Child Support Modifications

Our child support lawyers in Calgary assist with adjusting existing support orders when there has been a material change in circumstances, such as income or custody.

Enforcement of Child Support

If child support payments are not being made, we can take legal steps to enforce existing child support orders, including through the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP).

Section 7 Expenses & Extra-Curricular Activities

We handle cases involving extraordinary expenses, such as medical and dental premiums, private school, extracurricular activities, post-secondary education and more.

Negotiation and Mediation

We guide clients through collaborative and cost-effective solutions, helping resolve support disputes without unnecessary litigation.

Special Considerations in Child Support

Shared or Split Custody Arrangements

When children live primarily with one parent or are in shared custody, the amount of child support payable may be adjusted. We help calculate fair contributions based on time spent with each parent and basic child support guidelines.

Self-Employed or Variable Income Parents

Determining child support when a parent makes income from self-employment or fluctuating sources can be complex. We help uncover true income and ensure fair, transparent support calculations.

High-Income
Families

For high-income families, the court may deviate from the Federal Child Support Guidelines. Our lawyers can advise on extra expenses, educational costs, and private school disputes with clarity and discretion.

Support for Children Over 18

We provide guidance on when child support ends in Alberta, such as when a child turns 18 and is no longer attending school, or is no longer a child of the marriage as defined in the Divorce Act.

We Represent Parents on Both Sides of the Table

Child support law affects both the paying and receiving parents. Our lawyers provide trusted representation to:

Parents who seek fair financial contributions that reflect their child’s needs.
Parents are facing support obligations and need clarity on what’s expected.

Receive the Support & Guidance You Need

How We Help You Achieve a Desired Outcome

1
Detailed Support Calculations

Every family is unique. Our child support lawyers take the time to understand your parenting arrangements, income structure, and special expenses to develop support proposals that meet the child’s best interests and comply with the child support guidelines.

2
Guiding You Through the Legal Process

From your initial consultation to the finalization of your child support order, our lawyers guide you step by step: gathering financial documents, calculating basic child support amounts, preparing court applications or agreements, and advising on the Family Law Act and Divorce Act as needed.

3
Focus on Mediation and Resolution

We prioritize out-of-court solutions whenever possible. Through negotiation and mediation, we help parents resolve support issues efficiently, reduce conflict, and maintain cooperative parenting arrangements.

4
Comprehensive Representation in Court

If negotiations fail or the other parent is uncooperative, our experienced lawyers will advocate for you in court to secure fair child support payments. We are well-versed in Alberta’s legal framework and committed to protecting your rights.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Is Child Support Calculated?

Child support is generally calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, based on the income of the paying parent, the number of children, and parenting arrangements.

Can Child Support Be Modified?

Yes. If there’s a material change in circumstances, such as job loss or a change in custody, child support orders can be reviewed and changed.

What Happens if My Ex-Partner Refuses to Pay Child Support?

Unpaid child support payments can be enforced through court action or the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP).

Does Child Support Cover Special Expenses?

Special and extraordinary expenses like medical and dental premiums, private school, and extra-curricular activities can be shared in addition to basic child support.

When Does Child Support End in Alberta?

Under Alberta child support laws, support typically ends when the child turns 18, but may continue if the child is enrolled in post-secondary education or has a disability.

How Is Support Handled if the Paying Parent Has a Variable Income?

Our lawyers analyze all income sources and may propose averaging income over multiple years to ensure fair child support calculations.