Amalia Schon Lawyer & Mediator
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Child Support

Children have a legal right to child support. In Vancouver, B.C., and throughout Canada, child support is governed by the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which can be found here.

The Federal Child Support Guidelines provide a standardized framework for child support including how a parent’s income is determined, how much child support will be paid, and how long the support payments must be made.

I will ensure that you are well informed about your child’s rights and you and your spouse’s obligations. I strive to resolve your child support issues outside of court by providing you with more efficient and lower-cost options for resolution such as mediation, Collaborative Divorce, and lawyer-assisted negotiation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays & what are the different types?

Child support is money paid by a parent to a child, who has a legal right to receive this support.

There are two types of child support:

1. Basic child support – child support paid for general costs of living such as food, shelter, and other daily expenses.

2. “Section 7” Special or Extraordinary Expenses – child support paid to cover additional expenses such as dental/medical expenses, counseling, childcare and extracurricular activities (generally only if a child shows special skill).

A stepparent may owe child support. A child’s stepparent does not have a duty to provide support for the child unless the stepparent contributed to the support of the child for at least one year, and the claim for support is started within one year after the date the stepparent last contributed to the support of the child. Even if a stepparent is liable for child support, a biological parent’s obligation will take priority.

How will parents' incomes be determined?

A parent’s income will be determined under the Federal Child Support Guidelines.

A parent’s personal tax return income may not be the income that is used for calculation of child support, and thus it is very important to obtain legal advice on this issue. For example:​

1. A parent may have income imputed to them if they are not working as much as they should be. This means a judge finds that the amount of income the parent who is paying support is claiming is not a fair reflection of what they could be earning, so the judge assigns an income to them based on what they should be earning.

2. A parent may have income attributed to them if they have access to income that does not show up on their personal tax return. This means a judge finds that the amount of income the parent who is paying support reports on their personal tax return is not a fair reflection of what income they have available to them through their company, so the judge assigns an income to them based on what they actually have available. This is often the case where a parent controls a company and therefore may be “hiding” income in the company or paying personal expenses with company money.

How much child Support will be paid?

The amount of basic child support will depend on:

​1. Parents’ incomes. The Federal Child Support Guidelines prescribe the amount of child support that must be paid on a given income. If one parent has the primary residence of the child, then generally, only the income of the parent with whom the child does not live matters (but both parents’ incomes matter for Section 7 expense proportioning). If the child lives approximately equally with both parents, then both parents’ incomes count.​

2. The parenting arrangements. If the parents share parenting of a particular child, then a “set-off” amount is typically paid from the higher income earner to the lower-income earner. If the child lives mostly with one parent, then only the parent with whom the child does not live will pay support.

3. The child’s age. If a child is over the age of 19, the child support payable may be adjusted to suit the circumstances.

Child Support Guidance

I am a knowledgeable and practical lawyer whom you can trust. I am accessible, which means I am available to answer your questions and respond promptly to your emails and phone calls. My goal is to determine the child support solution that is best for you and your family. I will advise you on your child support rights and obligations and equip you with the information you need to make informed decisions.

Book Your Free Legal Consultation







    Testimonials
    • Amalia answers all my questions. She replies very quick in a timely manner. Very professional and very informative.

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      Cris man Avatar
      Cris man
      12/14/2021
    • Amalia Schön helped me alot during some of the darkest days of my life. I took a chance on Amalia, not knowing where to turn for help and never before finding myself in need of a Family lawyer, I did not have a clue whom to choose online.
      I found Amalia Schön online and the thing I remember most was she called herself more of a mediator in Family law than just a divorce lawyer, Amalia negotiated a fair settlement when all communications had ended and no resolution was possible on my own when my commonlaw relationship had ended very badly and abruptly. Amalia was always very professional and always responded to my queries and problems in a timely manner. Amalia Schön offered me good value, she is a quality family lawyer and mediated a fair settlement without anyone involved ending up in court.
      Amalia Schön Family Law, comes highly recommended as family mediator/lawyer by myself, I am very happy with her services and recommend her when and if you should ever need a Family lawyer!

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      Tim Holzworth Avatar
      Tim Holzworth
      12/03/2021
    • There were many times during my family law case where I wanted to give up and leave this all behind me, however Amalia was a fierce advocate for me and ensured that I fought for what I deserved. She was also very responsive and ensured that things moved forward at a reasonable pace so that the matter could be resolved as quickly as possible. Her fees were very competitive and reasonable.

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      Samantha Russell Avatar
      Samantha Russell
      10/05/2021
    • I have used Amalia's consultation and services. She is very helpful and professional. I had a great experience with her and defiantly recommend her to friends and family.

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      sahar edelkhani
      8/12/2021
    • Amalia was quick, efficient and compassionate in handling my separation. I would recommend her services highly.

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      B. Olds Avatar
      B. Olds
      2/01/2021
    • Ahhhh, how did my separation agreement go? Well is anyone's separation fun? Probably not... but as far as the legal stuff went, Amalia was a joy to work with. It's always daunting retaining a lawyer because we all know they seemingly bill by the millisecond... but Amalia has time efficiency and friendliness as well as expertise and professionalism at the forefront of her service offering. I really appreciated Amalia getting my separation agreement done... very thoroughly and as seamlessly as possible.

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      Kelsey Smart Avatar
      Kelsey Smart
      12/23/2020
    • I approached Amalia Schon to deal with a really complex case. Over the years, I have interacted with many lawyers over various family and business issues. By far she has been the most personable and cooperative lawyer that I have encountered. At every time, she tried to find solutions that in the long run reduced litigation and the costs associated with them. I am highly satisfied with her services and professionalism and I would highly recommend her to anyone who is going through a divorce or separation. You not only will save money, but you also will feel much better from having a lawyer who takes into consideration the human side.

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      Eduardo Azmitia Avatar
      Eduardo Azmitia
      11/20/2020
    • I have been very happy with Amalia Schon as my divorce attorney. She was responsive and professional and worked zealously for me. I always felt that she was genuinely concerned for my case, always responsive to my concerns, and pursued fairness.

      I recommend her. You will not regret your choice of her as your advocate.

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      Nick Kondis Avatar
      Nick Kondis
      11/03/2020
    • Amalia helped me create a cohabitation agreement for my partner and I. She was very thorough, professional and informative throughout the process. I would highly recommend her.

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      Diana Trasolini Avatar
      Diana Trasolini
      11/03/2020
    • I always recommend Amalia to anyone who is going through a separation and/or parenting dispute. She was thorough, professional and prompt every step of the way. Amalia was able to help my ex and I come to a resolution and stay out of court and I am so grateful for all of her help!

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      Stephanie Penner Avatar
      Stephanie Penner
      11/01/2020
    • I used Amalia in my separation and was very satisfied. Amalia is very professional and has great advice. She responded to my concerns very quickly. I would use Amalia again if I ever needed one. Thanks Amalia

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      Hartley Blatz Avatar
      Hartley Blatz
      10/30/2020
    • Amalia was wonderful to work with finalizing my separation and custody agreement with my ex. There were many surprises along the way and Amalia took them in stride and always with the utmost professionalism. She doesn’t waste time and has a sense of urgency while also being very detail oriented. Her pricing is fair and competitive. I would not hesitate to refer any one of my friends to Amalias services.

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      Tanya Blok Avatar
      Tanya Blok
      10/30/2020

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    North Vancouver Family Law

    Family law issues touch some of the most important aspects of our lives. Finding a lawyer that you can trust is imperative to achieving a timely and beneficial resolution.

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    Based in North Vancouver, available anywhere in BC.

    500 – 224 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, V7M 1A4

    Phone: (604) 318-8254
    Email: Amalia@schonfamilylaw.ca
    Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9am- 5pm

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    • Home
    • About
    • Family Law Services
      • Collaborative Divorce
      • Family Law Agreements
      • Parenting, Guardianship & Custody
      • Child Support
      • Spousal Support
      • Family Property & Debt Division
      • Lawyer Assisted Negotiation
      • Mediation
      • Divorce
      • Unbundled Services
      • All Family Law Services
    • Testimonials
    • Blog
    • Contact
    • Home
    • About
    • Family Law Services
      • Collaborative Divorce
      • Family Law Agreements
      • Parenting, Guardianship & Custody
      • Child Support
      • Spousal Support
      • Family Property & Debt Division
      • Lawyer Assisted Negotiation
      • Mediation
      • Divorce
      • Unbundled Services
      • All Family Law Services
    • Testimonials
    • Blog
    • Contact