Nussbaum Law Locations
Experienced Child Support Lawyers Serving Toronto and Ontario
Raising children after separation comes with financial questions. Our Toronto child support lawyers help you understand your rights, calculate fair payments, and resolve disputes. Whether you’re receiving or paying support, we’re here to help.

Navigating child support in Ontario can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions are high and finances are uncertain. Whether you’re the parent seeking support or the one being asked to pay it, having clear legal guidance ensures that your child’s best interests and your rights are protected.
At Nussbaum Law, our experienced child support lawyers help parents across Toronto and Ontario understand their obligations and entitlements under the Federal Child Support Guidelines. We work with you to determine the appropriate base amounts and special or extraordinary expenses (Section 7), while advocating for fair outcomes that reflect your family’s unique circumstances.
If you’re unsure what child support actually covers, from food and clothing to private school or medical needs, visit our breakdown on what child support covers in Ontario for clarity and next steps.
Let us help you move forward with confidence. Our goal is simple: to protect your child’s future while ensuring that your financial responsibilities are clear, reasonable, and legally sound.
Who We Help
At Nussbaum Law, our experienced child support lawyers in Toronto and across Ontario work with clients facing a wide range of family law situations. Whether you are the parent paying support or receiving it, we help you navigate your rights and responsibilities with clarity and confidence.
We can help you if:
You Are Paying Child Support
You want to ensure that your payments are fair, accurate, and based on your real income. We assist with the calculation of base support amounts, help you understand your obligations under the Federal Child Support Guidelines, and advocate for you in disputes over Section 7 or extraordinary expenses.
You Are Receiving Child Support
You want to make sure you’re receiving the financial support your child is entitled to. Our child support lawyers will review your situation, advocate for proper calculations, and ensure any additional costs, such as education or medical needs, are accounted for.
You’re in Conflict Over Child Support Arrangements
Whether your custody agreement has changed or your co-parent is not following the terms, we provide legal strategies to enforce or adjust existing child support orders.
You’re Unsure How Child Support Applies to Your Situation
We help clients understand how parenting time, shared custody, or income fluctuations impact support. If you’re just beginning the process or responding to a claim, we’ll walk you through every step.
No matter what side of the issue you’re on, our goal is to help you reach a fair, legally sound arrangement that protects your child’s needs without compromising your financial future. If you’re searching for trusted child support lawyers in Ontario, we’re here to help.
How We Help With Child Support Cases
At Nussbaum Law, we provide strategic, compassionate legal guidance to help you navigate child support issues with clarity and confidence. Whether you are paying or receiving support, our team of child support lawyers in Toronto and throughout Ontario ensures that your rights are protected and your child’s well-being is prioritized.
For Parents Paying Child Support
If you are concerned about paying more than you can reasonably afford, we help you push back against unfair calculations. Our team works to ensure your child support payments reflect your actual income, parenting arrangement, and legal entitlements. We also assist with disputes over Section 7 expenses such as extracurricular costs or private education, making sure you are not overpaying beyond what the law requires.
For Parents Receiving Child Support
If you are the primary caregiver, our Toronto divorce lawyers will help you determine and enforce the correct amount of support owed. We take into account custody arrangements, the paying parent’s income, and any additional expenses your child may have. If you are unsure how child support is calculated in your case, we guide you through every step, or you can review our resource on how child support is calculated in Ontario for additional context.
We understand that calculating support, negotiating with a co-parent, or initiating legal proceedings can be emotionally and financially stressful. That is why our approach is always personal, responsive, and results-driven.
Whether you are starting the process or facing an enforcement issue, Nussbaum Law provides the legal support and strategic advocacy you need to move forward.
How Child Support Works in Ontario
In Ontario, child support is more than just a monthly payment. It is a legal obligation designed to protect a child’s well-being and maintain a stable standard of living after separation or divorce. The law recognizes that both parents share the responsibility of financially supporting their children, whether they live together or apart.
What Determines the Amount of Child Support
The amount of child support a parent must pay is typically based on the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which consider factors such as:
- The payor parent’s gross annual income
- The number of children
- The parenting time or custody arrangement
You can learn more about the calculation process and how income, custody, and expenses are evaluated in our guide on how child support is calculated in Ontario.
What Is Included in Support Payments
Standard child support covers essentials like food, clothing, school supplies, and housing-related costs. In addition, Section 7 of the Guidelines allows for
Speak With a Child Support Lawyer Today
Whether you are paying or receiving child support, having the right legal guidance can make all the difference. At Nussbaum Law, we help parents across Ontario protect their rights and ensure their children’s needs are fully supported. If you have questions or need help navigating your next steps, book a free consultation with one of our Toronto divorce lawyers. We are here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support in Ontario
What factors determine how much child support I have to pay?
Child support amounts are primarily based on the payor parent’s gross annual income, the number of children involved, and the parenting arrangement. The Federal Child Support Guidelines provide standardized tables, but special expenses may also apply depending on your situation.
Does shared custody affect child support?
Yes. If each parent has the child at least 40 percent of the time, shared custody may reduce the base child support amount. In these cases, the court may consider each parent’s income and the costs associated with maintaining two households when determining a fair amount.
What are Section 7 expenses and who pays for them?
Section 7 expenses refer to special or extraordinary costs not covered by the basic child support amount. These include things like daycare, private school, post-secondary education, and medical needs. Both parents typically share these costs in proportion to their incomes.
Can child support be changed after the original agreement?
Yes. Child support can be changed through a legal process if there has been a material change in circumstances. Common reasons include job loss, a change in custody arrangements, or a significant increase or decrease in income.
What happens if child support is not paid?
If a parent does not pay court-ordered child support, enforcement can be handled by Ontario’s Family Responsibility Office (FRO). They have the authority to garnish wages, suspend driver’s licenses, or take other enforcement actions to ensure compliance.

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