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A parent’s responsibility to raise and support their children as they grow does not end when a marriage ends.
Unless both parents spend approximately equal time with the child after the divorce, one parent usually needs to pay child support to the other parent to help share the costs.
Child support tables and calculators can help parents in British Columbia establish how much should be paid but the right legal advice can provide more accurate estimates and help prevent child support issues from developing.
The child support lawyers at DSG Family Law in Langley, BC are ready to take your call now to discuss your circumstances and outline your legal options.
What is child custody & parenting time?
Child support or “child maintenance” is the money paid by one parent to another parent to help raise a child after they divorce or separate. It is considered a legal right of the child and a legal responsibility of a parent.
Child support may be ordered by the court or included as part of a negotiated or mediated separation agreement. As long as the support arrangement creates a secure, stable financial future for the child’s upbringing, the court should approve it.
Most times, the responsibility for child support falls on a biological parent who spends less time with the child than the primary custodial parent. However, the obligation and amount depend on the incomes and financial means of both parents as well as the custody arrangement and the division of parenting time between the spouses.
Step parents may be responsible for child support if they have lived with and contributed to the support of the child for at least one year.
Child Custody Lawyers in Langley, BC
Even if you have a good relationship with your ex-partner and expect to work together on a parenting plan, it is still essential to seek legal advice. A skilled lawyer can guide you through the legal system in Vancouver, ensuring that your and your child's best interests remain at the forefront.
Shared Parenting
If you are seeking a parenting arrangement where both you and your ex-partner spend more than 40% of the time with your child, a lawyer can help address any legal issues related to shared parenting plans.
Child's Primary Residence and Contact
If your goal is for your child to live primarily with one parent while maintaining regular contact with the other, a lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of establishing or modifying this type of arrangement.
Child Alienation
In cases where a child strongly aligns with one parent and refuses contact with the other, a lawyer can investigate the cause and take appropriate legal action to address this situation.
Family Violence or Abuse
If you have concerns about your child's safety while in the care of your ex-partner, or if you need to defend against false accusations of abuse, a lawyer can help protect your parental rights and ensure the child’s safety.
Relocation and Child Custody
If you or your ex-partner are planning to relocate, a lawyer can help you take the necessary legal steps, whether you need to provide notice or contest the move. Adjusting custody agreements to accommodate relocation is also a key area where legal assistance can be vital.
Child Abduction
If your ex-partner is denying you the parenting time or contact you are entitled to, a lawyer can help enforce your rights and take the necessary legal action to resolve any violations.
When do you need a child custody lawyer
Parenting arrangements in British Columbia outline the schedule, details, and responsibilities of each parent regarding the care of their child. A parenting plan specifies who has decision-making authority and where the child will reside at any given time. According to the BC Family Law Act, both parents are considered guardians if they lived together before separating, and neither parent is presumed to have more entitlement to parenting privileges. The Act generally supports shared parental responsibilities and equal time between parents, as it is believed to be in the child's best interests.
Parental responsibilities include major decisions, such as the child’s day-to-day care, where they will live, who they will associate with, their education and extracurricular activities, cultural upbringing, medical consents, legal matters, and acquiring important documents like passports or licenses. Parenting time refers to everyday decisions, such as what the child will eat, wear, and how they spend their free time.
Ideally, parents should cooperate to create a parenting plan, balancing both decision-making responsibilities and parenting time. If parents cannot agree, a judge will decide based on what serves the child’s best interests.
How decision-making & parenting time are decided in BC
Regardless of past involvement, children generally benefit from having the love and care of both parents. While family law cases can be emotionally charged, focusing on what truly serves the child's needs is essential for their growth and stability during this new phase of life.
Best Interests of the Child in British Columbia
Contact Our Child Custody Lawyers
Family legal matters are often emotionally challenging, making it essential to have an objective advocate by your side to guide you through the complexities of decision-making responsibilities and parenting time. The experienced divorce lawyers at DSG Family Law offer practical solutions to help you navigate this difficult time with as little stress and expense as possible.
Whether through skillful negotiation or, if necessary, by vigorously representing your interests in court, our lawyers are committed to protecting your child’s best interests every step of the way.
Contact DSG Family Law to schedule a free consultation with a compassionate child custody lawyer today.
At DSG Family Law in Langley, BC, we understand the far-reaching impact of family law matters like divorce and legal separation on parental rights, personal property, children, and assets. Our professional and highly skilled family lawyers are committed to providing you with expert representation, tailored to your unique needs.
We take a client-centred approach and offer both comprehensive and unbundled legal services, ensuring you receive the support you require at an affordable cost. As a paperless firm, we prioritise efficiency, making your experience with us seamless and stress-free.
Count on DSG Family Law for accessible, compassionate, and trusted family law representation in Langley, BC. Book a free consultation and let us guide you through these crucial legal matters with clear solutions to complex family matters.
Langley B.C
DSG Family Law
At DSG Family Law, we understand that family law matters can be overwhelming and emotionally challenging. Our Family Law Consultations are designed to create a welcoming, comforting, and collaborative environment where you can discuss your concerns and aspirations freely.
We listen attentively to your unique story and provide a safe space to express your needs and goals openly. Our compassionate team of experienced lawyers is here to support and guide you every step of the way.
During the consultation, we take the time to understand your situation fully. We believe in fostering a collaborative approach, where you are actively involved in the decision-making process. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge and options, so you can make informed choices for the future of your family.
