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.
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. Or they can work with a mediator. You are in the minority. Often after separation parents are poor communicators and highly distrustful of each other.