Spousal and Child Support

In a divorce in British Columbia with the children involved, the parents should share the same portion of their income with their children as if they lived together. The Child Support Guidelines are used to help the spouses to determine the reasonable amount of monthly support typically paid by the non-residential parent based on the paying parent's level of income and the number of minor children.

The judge usually follows the guidelines to determine the amount of child support. At the same time, parents can use the child support guidelines to negotiate and, as a result, agree on a different amount. The parents should take the guideline amount into account but can be flexible in setting the child support amount, as long as their agreement is reasonable and meets the best interests of the child.