A thorough approach in a sensitive area

Child support and special/extraordinary expenses

One of the most sensitive areas of separation and divorce is the provision of child support. Each client has unique needs, yet common to all support arrangements is that every case requires a thorough approach that emphasizes fairness and balance as much as possible.

The determination of child support may involve a number of complex issues such as financial disclosure, income determination, tax implications, the apportionment and classification of special and extraordinary expenses.

Our experienced family law team recognizes the nuances of child support provisions and will work with you to ensure that you understand the process. We can help you understand how to effectively navigate this element of family law – including when and why you should revisit an agreement for child support once it’s in place:

Spousal support (alimony)

While there are general guidelines for spousal support in Ontario, there is room for discretion in how they are applied. For that reason, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer attend to such agreements.

The issue of spousal support raises important questions, such as:

  • Am I obligated to pay spousal support?
  • How much will I likely be required to pay or receive?
  • When will it end?
  • Are there special factors in my case?
  • Is there an alternate way to restructure the obligation, and is it to my benefit?

We are here to guide you through the answers that pave the way to a fair spousal support payment.

Benefits and life insurance

If you are a parent who has access to medical or dental benefits through an insurance policy, it may be necessary for you to maintain them for your dependents.

If you are a support payor it may be necessary for you to secure your obligation to pay child and/or spousal support by maintaining a life insurance policy with the support recipient as a beneficiary. If you are a support recipient, you may want to ensure that your entitlement to receive support is secured.

We can provide you with more information regarding your rights and obligations and help you reach a fair and reasonable agreement to sufficiently meet your needs and/or obligations.

Contact Levitt, Lightman, Dewar & Graham LLP
in Etobicoke for a consultation


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