The Federal Child Support Guidelines:
Step-by-Step

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Who can help you?

There are people who can help you reach an agreement, prepare for court or help you help your children.

Family justice services in your province or territory can help you reach an agreement without having to go to court. They can provide you with information and help you find appropriate services, such as mediation. You will find the provincial and territorial general enquiries numbers under Provincial and territorial child support information. For more information, you may wish to visit the Department of Justice Canada's Internet site at www.justice.gc.ca/childsupport.

Lawyers (and notaries in Quebec) can tell you how the guidelines apply in your situation and give you legal advice about your choices. A lawyer can review any agreement you make with the other parent to make sure your legal rights, and those of your children, are respected. A lawyer can also negotiate an agreement for you, talk with you about what you want and handle all the back-and-forth discussions with the other parent. If you have to go to court, a lawyer can represent you.

You may wish to seek the advice of a lawyer before you sign any agreement related to child support.

Family mediators can work with you and the other parent to help decide what you want to do. Mediators will ask questions and gather information to make you aware of your options and make your own decisions. They can often help you reach an agreement on the terms of your divorce, including child support.

Arbitrators are available to help you in some provinces and territories. Arbitrators listen to you and the other parent, then they make a decision. The difference between going to court and seeing an arbitrator is that you and the other parent can choose the arbitrator. An arbitrator may also use a less formal process than a court. You must both agree to follow what the arbitrator says for the process to work.

Public Legal Education and Information programs may be available in your province or territory. They can give you information on calculating child support.

Income tax specialists and accountants know the tax system. They can help you understand how your decisions affect you financially.

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