Child Support Toronto
Ensuring Your Children Receive Financial Support — Child Support Toronto
Child support lawyers in Toronto calculate fair child support, uncover hidden income where it exists, and ensure your children receive the financial support the law mandates.
WHAT WE DO
How Child Support Is Calculated
We break down the child support process in a way that is clear, calm, and judgment-free. Whether you’re establishing support for the first time, adjusting to a change in income, or needing enforcement, we guide you through each step with sensitivity. Our goal is to reduce stress while ensuring your children remain protected and financially secure.
How Child Support Works in Ontario
In Ontario, both parents have a legal obligation to financially support their children to the best of their abilities. Child support is calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines in divorce cases or the Ontario Child Support Guidelines in situations where no divorce is involved. They similarly establish base support amounts based on the payor parent’s income, the number of children, where the children live in Canada, and the parenting time ordered. The Guidelines are mandatory; courts may deviate only in rare, specific circumstances.
The calculation begins with the payor’s gross annual income. That income is applied to the Guidelines tables to determine the monthly base support amount. Kathryn ensures all income sources are properly disclosed, including salary, bonuses, commissions, investment income, and self-employment earnings before that determination is made. She also challenges underreported income or a support payor’s deliberate underemployment when doing so is necessary to determining the true and fair calculation of child support.
WAYS WE SUPPORT YOU
Section 7 Special Expenses
Beyond the base amount, parents must share “special or extraordinary expenses” which are defined under Section 7 of the Guidelines. These can include childcare required for work or school; medical and dental insurance premiums; health-related expenses not covered by insurance; extracurricular activities that meet the child’s needs; post-secondary education costs; and tutoring or special needs support.
These expenses are typically shared proportionally based on each parent’s income. Kathryn ensures that Section 7 claims are reasonable, properly documented, and fairly allocated. They are not automatic in every case and an experienced family lawyer can help you determine whether they applied to your family or not.
Why Choose Us
Clear, Compassionate Support That Protects Your Children’s Well-Being
Child support issues often come with worry, uncertainty, and emotional strain. Smithen Family Law understands how overwhelming this process can feel, and we guide you with clarity, fairness, and sensitivity every step of the way.
Smithen Family Law blends strong legal strategy with a deep respect for family dynamics and children’s needs. We help you create a plan that reduces conflict, reflects your financial reality, and prioritizes stability for your children. We work to ensure they remain supported, protected, and connected to both parents whenever it is safe and appropriate.
Stories of Strength
What Our Clients Say
The most meaningful measure of our work is the lives rebuilt along the way. These stories reflect courage, trust, and the quiet victories that matter most when navigating family law and personal transformation.
She Worked Hard and Stayed With Me Through Everything
K. Smithen was attentive, professional, and dedicated throughout my case. She listened, answered all my questions, and fought for the best interests of me and my child. Her compassion and hard work made a difficult process easier. I strongly recommend her.
M.O.
Her Guidance Helped Me Feel Protected and Supported
Ms Smithen is professional and cares for her clients. I was able to focus in my situation and rely all the legal stuff to her. Due to her knowledge, I was able to secure a home for my kids. She offers good advice and makes sure the job gets done. Her rates are fair and the quality of her job is excellent. She is prompt to respond even on weekends or evenings. During the worst time of my life I felt protected and care for. Without her I would have been a mess. She is strong communicator and when in court she has a great presence and makes you feel comfortable in an unfamiliar environment. When sick you call a doctor. With a divorce you want her representing you.
L.K.
Her Team Supported Me Through Every Step With Grace.
Kathryn listened carefully to my situation and made me feel safe and supported. She and her team worked diligently, guided me with grace, and helped me stay focused during a difficult time. Her professionalism, strength, and compassion made a tremendous difference. I strongly recommend her.
WY Chan
Dedicated, Empathetic, and Truly Exceptional Representation.
Kathryn is dedicated, understanding, empathetic, and incredibly sharp. She represented me in family court with outstanding attention to detail. I felt heard, validated, and fully supported throughout the process. I am forever grateful for her hard work and commitment to my case.
MCF
Her Compassion and Integrity Helped Us Stand Again.
My divorce was extremely difficult, but Kathryn helped us land on our feet. She handled my case with exceptional compassion, professionalism, and attention to detail, protecting me and my children at every step. I am deeply grateful for her integrity and dedication. She is truly the right lawyer in hard times.
Asta Velyviene
She Helped Me Protect My Son and My Future.
Kathryn guided me through my divorce and child custody case with compassion and constant support. She kept me informed, answered every question, and helped me secure a fair agreement that protected my son’s special needs. Her judgment, creativity, and dedication made a difficult process manageable.
Paula Goncalves
Where Strength Meets Compassion
Let’s ensure your child’s needs are fully protected.
Child support can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’re here to help you understand your rights and secure a fair arrangement that safeguards your child’s wellbeing.
Support and Clarity
Frequently Asked Questions
Family law can feel overwhelming. This section answers the questions we hear most, offering clarity and support as you make decisions that impact your future and your family.
Can child support be changed after the order is made?
Yes. Either parent can seek a variation if there has been a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, job loss, or a change in the children’s needs. Kathryn helps clients bring and/or respond to variation applications.
How is child support calculated in Ontario?
Child support is calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines or the Ontario Child Support Guidelines. The base amount is determined by the payor parent’s income, the number of children, where they live, and the parenting time. Parents also share special expenses under Section 7. Courts can deviate in cases of undue hardship, although proving the same involves a difficult test.
What if my ex-spouse hides income to pay less support?
Kathryn is relentless in her quest to ensure that all children in her clients’ cases are supported to the best of the ability of both parents. Kathryn has extensive experience uncovering the hidden income of support payors trying to evade their obligations to their children. She uses financial disclosure requirements, subpoenas, investigation and forensic analysis to trace undisclosed income sources. Courts may impute income to a payor who is deliberately underemployed or hiding earnings in a family law case. Support payors who quit their jobs to evade child support obligations can be ordered to pay as though they are still employed in some cases.
