Or a person might need additional support because they can work only part time. Or an award may be made to enable a person to retrain toward long-term employment opportunities. The judge will balance the need for support with the ability of the spouse to be self-sufficient. If spousal support is paid as a result of a court order or a properly prepared and signed separation agreement, it is taxable income to the spouse who receives the payment and tax deductible to the spouse who makes the payment. Children Children are not possessions.
Children have the right to benefit from the love, care, protection and guidance of both parents.
In most cases, parents find the most practical arrangement is custody with one parent and generous access to the other. Joint custody is possible if you and your spouse co-operate, and your living arrangements make it practical. Access includes the right to have the children visit, including overnight, and to be given information about the children's health, education and welfare. The parent with custody has the right to decide on schooling, religious practices and daily living routines, but often accepts input from the other parent. In dealing with children, it is important to consider the best interests of the child, as opposed to what you yourself want.