Child support is a critical aspect of any divorce or separation involving children. It is essential to ensure that children have the financial support they need to thrive, regardless of the circumstances of their parents. In Alberta, child support is calculated based on a set of guidelines that take into account the income of the parents and other factors. However, calculating child support can be complicated, and that’s where child support calculators come in. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at how child support calculators work in Alberta and what you need to know.
How Child Support is Calculated in Alberta
In Alberta, child support is calculated based on the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which provide a formula for determining the amount of child support that should be paid. The formula takes into account the income of the paying parent, the number of children, and other factors such as the parenting arrangement and any special expenses related to the children’s care.
Child support is typically paid until the child reaches the age of 18 or becomes financially independent, whichever comes first. Child support may be extended to age 22 if the child is attending school full-time. If the child has a mental or physical disability that prevents them from earning income and for which government assistance is insufficient, child support may be extended further.
How Child Support Calculators Work in Alberta
Child support calculators are tools that can help you estimate the amount of child support that should be paid in your situation. These calculators consider a range of factors, including the income of the paying parent, the number of children, the parenting arrangement, and any special expenses related to the children’s care.
In Alberta, there are several online child support calculators available, including the Federal Child Support Calculator and the Alberta Child Support Calculator. These calculators are designed to provide a rough estimate of the amount of child support payable, based on the information you provide. The base child support, also referred to as “section 3 child support”, is calculated on the payor’s income. Support for special or extraordinary expenses, also referred to as “section 7 child support”, is shared proportionate to the parents’ incomes.
However, it is important to note that these calculators are not always 100% accurate and should be used as a guideline only. The actual amount of child support that is payable may vary depending on a range of factors, including any special expenses related to the children’s care, the parenting arrangement, and other considerations.
Getting Legal Advice on Child Support in Alberta
If you are going through a divorce or separation and need to determine the amount of child support that should be paid, it is important to get legal advice from a qualified family lawyer in Alberta. A lawyer can help you navigate the complex child support guidelines and ensure that your rights and the rights of your children are protected.
Posted by Gary Kirk
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