Tag: child support

When two married people decide to get divorced, they need to follow some law procedure. They need to deal with their spousal support and child support if they have children. If you want to get a divorce in canada, you need to understand its the law there. In some cases, courts may require one spouse to pay the other spousal support. Spousal support is not a type of child support, and it does not replace child support.

Spousal support can be delivered as a lump sum or in periodic payments over time. Spousal support is typically awarded when one spouse has lower income potential than the other spouse, but many factors go into determining what amount will be awarded by the court. Now, let’s learn more about spousal support, child support, and how to calculate the exact number.

Spousal Support

First off, let’s talk about spousal support.  Spousal support, also known as spouse maintenance or alimony, is a monthly payment from one ex-spouse to the other. Spousal support can be ordered anytime, and there are no laws on how long you need to pay. Spouses typically request spousal support when they feel that their income potential has been cut off due to the divorce.

Spousal support is also standard in cases where one spouse who caused the divorce has spent all their money on legal fees and cannot afford to pay spousal support while they are paying child custody, or if there was a large discrepancy between ex-spouses’ incomes during the marriage (one makes way more than the other).

How to Calculate the Payment Range of Spousal Support

So, how do we calculate the range of spousal support? The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) provide ranges that judges typically follow. These guidelines are not binding, but the judge will consider them when making a final decision about spousal support. The SSAGs use three factors to determine spousal support. Those are individual contributions to the marriage, standard of living is used, and the marriage length is considered. Spousal support does not have to be paid by both spouses in a case where there are children from that marriage.

Child Support

Now, let’s jump to child support. In some states, spousal support and child support are two separate cases. Spousal support is ordered in a case where there were no children from that marriage, while child support would be for any other situation involving the parents of the children. Child support mainly considers the incomes of both parents.

On the other hand, spousal support considers the income and earning capacity in a specific case where there is no child involved. The jury can order child support from any parent who does not have custody of their children. Child support payments typically end when a child turns 18 years old or graduates high school with their peers.

How to Calculate the Payment Range of Child Support

So, how do we calculate the range of payments for child support?  The main factors that affect child support calculation are spouse or ex-spouse’s income, amount and type of custody arrangements, and the number of children in need of support, including health insurance costs. The amount is determined by using a child support calculator available on the DivorcePath. This worksheet calculates child support using those factors. Moreover, child support guidelines make the amount of child support depend on the income level. Spouse or ex-spouse custody arrangements determine who is responsible for paying child support and how much they will pay.

Spouse and Child Support Calculation Service

As the calculation should be legal, determined, and highly accurate, it’s …