Family Law — Toronto & Markham

Spousal & Child Support

Ensuring fair support arrangements — and restoring financial independence for survivors of financial abuse and economic control.

Child Support

Child support in Canada is governed by the Federal Child Support Guidelines. The amount is determined largely by the paying parent's income and the number of children. Child support belongs to the children — courts are not bound by agreements that deprive children of proper support.

Retroactive Child Support

If a payor has been underpaying or not paying, a court can order retroactive support going back years. Courts weigh four factors: when the claim was raised, why there was delay, the payor's conduct, and hardship on the child. Do not wait — contact us to preserve your retroactive claim.

Special or Extraordinary Expenses (Section 7)

In addition to basic child support, courts can order contribution to special expenses such as childcare, medical and dental expenses, extracurricular activities, and post-secondary education. These are typically shared in proportion to each parent's income.

Spousal Support

Spousal support may be available if there is an economic disparity between spouses — whether due to roles assumed during the relationship, career sacrifices, or economic disadvantage from the breakdown. Courts use the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) as a reference, though these are advisory rather than binding.

Support & Financial Abuse

Financial abuse — where one partner controls all income, denies access to money, or sabotages the other's career — is a recognized form of domestic violence. We understand the financial dynamics of abusive relationships and know how to present them to courts effectively.

Income Disclosure is Mandatory. Both parties must provide complete financial disclosure. Failure to disclose can result in adverse inferences or imputed income. We know how to pursue proper disclosure and challenge suspicious financial statements.

Ready to protect your rights?

Every family law situation is unique. Book a consultation and speak directly with one of our lawyers about your specific circumstances.

Book a Consultation (416) 826-1155