How is alberta child support calculated

Historical information is a powerful tool when you request a child support modification or when you request more parenting time. Canada's federal government oversees all child support cases in the country.

The child support laws for Alberta are the same as any other province or territory, but with some exceptions. Provincial or territorial guidelines often deviate slightly from the federal laws, allowing provinces like Alberta to amend the laws to best fit its residents.

Canada's federal guidelines contain basic custody laws, plus child support tables. These tables assign a child support amount based on income. These amounts are the standard for how much child support Canadian parents should pay when they divorce. Provincial guidelines usually reflect the federal laws, but also include some unique amendments that relate directly to the province.

For example, each province has its own set of child support tables. The Province of Alberta Child Support Guidelines were adopted in , while amendments that keep it updated are adopted every year or two. Following which you are to select the number of children involved via the drop-down menu. Once you click calculate, the child support calculator Alberta will generate a potential amount of support payments that may have to be made. If you are at the commencement of a child support or family law action in Alberta, you can start your application at the Provincial Court of Alberta.

It is not intended in any way to replace the advice of a qualified legal professional. You may wish to ask a lawyer for advice about your situation. The base amount is often not the final child support amount to be paid. For example, if there are special expenses such as child care or if you have a shared parenting time arrangement, the amount will likely be different. The Child Support Table Look-up has general information only. It is not a legal document. Provincial or territorial guidelines may apply in some cases.

The amount that is claimed as part of child support is net of any subsidy or tax deduction. It is important for both parents to exchange all income information when Child Support payments are determined. It is also important to exchange income information every year thereafter, to ensure that the Child Support payments are up to date.

Note if you are the parent receiving the Child Support payments, you only need to exchange income information if there are special expenses being paid, or if you are seeking special expenses. The income that is used to determine Child Support payments is called a guideline income.

There are some cases when a different amount may be used, including when:. A parent may argue that they cannot afford to pay the amount of support calculated by the guidelines, or, the receiving parent may argue that they need more than the guidelines require. In that case, each parent may make an undue hardship argument to the Court at the time that the child support is being determined.

Second, the parent must show that they have a lower household standard of living than the other parent. A mathematical formula may be used to compare standards of living between the parents or the Court may decide to do the comparison using another method. If you are successful in establishing undue hardship, then the Judge will decide the appropriate amount of Child Support to be paid.