When parents, for whatever reason, decide to live apart, the financial suffering of their children should be kept to a minimum. Both parents should be doing what is best for their children. Surely no one would disagree with the principle that both parents have a financial obligation to support their children. However, the amount of child support that the non-custodial parent pays to the custodial parent is often the subject of a battle in court.
Most jurisdictions now have some form of child support guidelines.
Whether the battle between Mom and Dad continues until a Judge sets the amount after a court hearing, or whether the parents settle on the doorsteps of the court house, the end of the battle is often preceded by arguing and blaming. 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.