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Child Support

Your child’s well-being is what matters most. Child support ensures that children receive the financial care they need, regardless of their parents’ relationship status. Understanding your rights and obligations can make all the difference.

Ready to take the first step? Let us help you navigate child support with clarity and confidence.

Common Questions About Child Support in BC

  • In most cases, the parent who doesn’t have primary custody (or the one who spends less time with the child) pays child support.

    In shared parenting arrangements, the support is offset, so the higher income earner pays to the lower income earner.

    The idea is simple: both parents should contribute financially, no matter what.

  • Child support is based on income and the number of children. British Columbia follows federal guidelines, meaning payments are set using a formula. Other factors—like special expenses for medical care, daycare, or extracurricular activities—can also be added.

  • Yes, but it has to be reasonable and fair. If your agreement strays too far from the government’s guidelines, a judge can step in and adjust it. We’ll help you negotiate a number that works for everyone while staying legally enforceable.

  • Child support isn’t set in stone. If you lose your job, take a pay cut, or your income increases, payments may need to be adjusted. The key is acting fast—if you wait too long, you could owe back payments. We help you handle changes before they become a problem.

  • If your ex misses payments, there are legal steps to enforce child support. The BC Family Maintenance Agency (BCFMA) can step in to collect unpaid amounts. We can guide you through the process and ensure you get what’s owed.

  • No. Basic child support covers things like food, clothing, and shelter, but extra costs—like daycare, tutoring, medical needs, or activities—may be split separately. These are called special or extraordinary expenses, and we can help work out a fair arrangement.

  • In most cases, support continues until the child turns 19 (the legal age in B.C.). But payments may continue if your child is still in school, has a disability, or needs extra support. Every case is different, and we can help clarify what applies to you.

  • The best way? Make it official. You and your ex can agree on support through negotiation or mediation, and we’ll draft a legally binding agreement to protect everyone involved. If needed, we can also help resolve disputes through the courts.

    Contact us today to get started.

  • Always Taking the Time to Listen

    I highly recommend Alexandra Ghihor as a lawyer. She provided me with effective information and solutions for my case, always taking the time to listen to all my concerns and doubts. Alexandra was always punctual and took enough time to clarify all my questions thoroughly. Her professionalism, patience, and dedication made a challenging situation much easier to handle. I truly appreciate her guidance and support throughout the process. If you’re looking for a lawyer who genuinely cares and delivers results, Alexandra is the one to trust!

    ★★★★★
    Aura (Google Review)

  • Above and Beyond

    I have worked with Puneet Mann for a couple years now. She is an amazing lawyer. She has gone above and beyond for me and my family. It's nice to have a lawyer who believes in you and has your back. I'm glad to have her in my corner. Thankful for everything they have done so far.

    ★★★★★
    RC (Google Review)

  • Absolutely Fantastic!

    Francis Lepp was absolutely fantastic when helping me get my divorce. This is never a pleasant experience, but she made it so easy and provided a safe and welcoming atmosphere while I was navigating through this tough time. She answered all my questions, in which I had many. Communicated effectively, and explained things to me in ways that were simple and easy to understand. Everything went smoothly, all paperwork done quickly. I highly recommend her!

    ★★★★★
    CF (Google Review)

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Our Reliable 5-Step Process

Not every lawyer is the right fit for every case—and that’s where we stand out. We’re all about matching you with the lawyer who’s best-equipped to handle your unique situation.

It’s not a guessing game; it’s a thoughtful, deliberate approach that ensures you get the expertise and strategy you need from day one.

  • We’ll gather your basic info—like your name and the names of everyone involved—to check for conflicts and confirm we can take your case. If there’s an issue, we’ll let you know right away.

    If you're ready to reach out, head to our Contact page now.

  • Next, you’ll meet with one of our lawyers to share your story and any key documents. They’ll answer your questions, offer initial insights, and help decide if moving forward makes sense.

    Our lawyers’ hourly rates are usually $300 or more, but for a limited time, the initial consult is only $150. And if you decide to retain, the $150 is refunded to you, making the consult complete free of charge.

  • Here’s where we shine. After reviewing your case as a firm, we’ll recommend the lawyer we think is the best fit for you. While the final choice is yours, we’ve found the best results come from trusting our match.

  • Once you’re ready to move forward, we’ll open your file. A retainer is required to get the ball rolling—standard practice for any law firm.

  • This is where the real work begins. We’ll dig into your file, keep you in the loop, and work with you every step of the way to get the best outcome possible.

    And if we ever feel that a different lawyer at our firm will be a better fit, then we're always ready to make a switch. Because we're a small firm, it doesn't take a lot to get another lawyer up to speed on your case.

Our Child Support Lawyers