Yes… Yes… Yes. I have clients come in to see me about this on a regular basis. Some clients think that they can dangle parenting time in front of the other parent as a tool to ensure that support is paid, and paid on time. Legally speaking, the two concepts – support and parenting time – are separate issues. The amount of child support one parent must pay to the other is based on … [Read more...] about My kids’ dad hasn’t paid support in over 6 months – do I still have to let him see the kids?
Child Support
How Can We Make Extra-Curricular Activities Run Smoothly Post-Divorce?
You mean you still have to work with your ex on issues regarding the kids after the divorce has been finalized? Imagine that! Some clients wonder why I encourage them to choose a divorce process that will allow them to be able to (and even want to) communicate with their ex post-divorce. Extra-curricular activities often consume a great deal of your kids’ out-of-school time. … [Read more...] about How Can We Make Extra-Curricular Activities Run Smoothly Post-Divorce?
4-Part Series: Aspects of Separation & Divorce – Part 2: Parenting Time and Responsibilities
Last month, we looked at child support; this month we will explore parenting time & responsibilities (aka child custody & access). In any parenting plan, parents must make arrangements for how they will spend time with their children, and how the decisions will be made in respect of their children. Decision-Making Responsibilities Parents may be joint decision-makers for their … [Read more...] about 4-Part Series: Aspects of Separation & Divorce – Part 2: Parenting Time and Responsibilities
Why is a Detailed Parenting Plan So Important?
When I am facilitating the Parenting After Separation seminar, one of the goals of the course is to teach parents the importance of creating a detailed parenting plan for how they will parent their children post-separation and divorce. I thought I would reiterate this importance. Usually, the goal of creating a parenting plan is to come together with the other parent to make a plan which … [Read more...] about Why is a Detailed Parenting Plan So Important?
How Can I Be a Successful Co-Parent?
When you get divorced, your spousal relationship ends but your parental relationship will continue forever. Once the dust settles after you have finalized your parenting plan, you will likely be required to interact with your ex because of the children more than you would have thought. For the kids’ sake, try to be a good co-parent. Be flexible and accommodating – remember the old … [Read more...] about How Can I Be a Successful Co-Parent?
What is my Obligation to Support My Child Who is Over the Age of 18?
A parent is required to support their child as long as they are a “child” under the appropriate legislation. To determine if a child is still a “child” for child support purposes, look at both age and dependency. For age – the cut off is the child being under the age of majority in the province where the child resides (18 in SK and AB). Under the Divorce Act (for married/divorced … [Read more...] about What is my Obligation to Support My Child Who is Over the Age of 18?
At what age do my children have the right to choose which parent they live with?
I am asked this question at least a couple times per week. There seems to be a common belief that children can decide where they want to live after they turn 12. That is false. In Alberta and Saskatchewan, the legal age of majority is 18 – that remains the age at which parents officially cease to have control over their children as “children”. Therefore, that’s the official … [Read more...] about At what age do my children have the right to choose which parent they live with?
Do I have to go back to court each year to update my child support?
You may be able to avoid going to court or even seeing a lawyer! On December 1, 2009, Alberta Justice started a new service called the Child Support Recalculation Program. Upon application by one party, the service recalculates child support using most recent income tax information for each parent. It can review numbers both for base monthly support as well as proportionate shares … [Read more...] about Do I have to go back to court each year to update my child support?