Sometimes one parent threatens to apply for custody as a bargaining tool in the negotiations over the amount of child support to be paid. These amounts depend solely on the payor's income and the number of children to be supported. But in Ontario and Canada, there are additional amounts that may need to be paid. The non-custodial parent may also have to pay his or her proportionate share of extraordinary expenses incurred by or on behalf of the children for extracurricular activities and certain educational programs. The Government Child Support Guidelines have not eliminated parents going to court over child support issues.
Some parents lose sight of what is best for their children.
The Child Support Guidelines were supposed to facilitate settlement and reduce everyone's stress level. But even where there is a settlement, the parties may be unhappy with each other and with their lawyers for any one of a number of reasons. However, parents do have a choice about how to resolve disputes over child support. They can try to negotiate an agreement, either themselves or with their lawyers' help. They can go to court and let a judge decide.