Many divorcing parents in Toronto are able to reach out-of-court solutions with regard to child support. For example, mediation is one form of alternative dispute resolution that can help parents resolve their disputes while staying out of court.
However, if you are unable to agree with your spouse about child support, then the best way of establishing a fair arrangement may be to take the matter to court. Parents in this situation are required to provide one another with proof of income, and depending on the specific situation, that proof could come in a number of forms.
Income tax returns and notices of assessment from the most recent three years are typically used to calculate an appropriate amount of child support. The payor of child support must always disclose his or her income, and the recipient of child support may also have to show proof of income under certain circumstances.
Proof of income may also include documentation of income from self-employment, pensions, disability payments, trust funds, employment insurance, workers’ compensation and social assistance.
The Ministry of the Attorney General provides basic information about what kinds of documents are needed for child support orders in Ontario.
If you suspect that your co-parent is hiding income in order to reduce or increase the amount of child support, then you should speak with a family law lawyer about uncovering the hidden assets.
Many paying parents are also required to provide annual reports of income to the other parent, though this requirement can be lifted if both parties sign a written agreement stating that the obligation doesn’t apply.
To learn more about the nuances of child support and property division in Ontario, please visit the child support overview of MatrimonialHome.com.