Podcast May 5, 2020
Podcast #46 –How COVID-19 Affects Child Support and Spousal Support
The Corona Virus has had a previously unimaginable impact on our economy and the incomes of many Canadians. Many people paying or receiving child support or spousal support find that their income is either uncertain, has been dramatically reduced or is gone altogether. What happens to the child and spousal support when the support payor has these financial concerns during COVID19 is the subject of this edition of the Family Law Podcast.
Previous episodes of the Ontario Family Law Podcast have explained how child support works and how spousal support works. Since then, it seems like everything may have changed COVID19 has put many people out of work, reduced the incomes of many other, completely shut down some businesses, leaving the owners with no money at all. What does that mean for child support and spousal support obligations? In the short run, probably very little. In the long run, perhaps a lot.
The government has not enacted any new laws to change support obligations as a result of the Corona Virus. Unless the support payer and the support recipient agree to something different, support continues as set out in the last court order or separation agreement. The children or spouses who are dependent on that support remain dependent on that support.
However, many support payers feel that the children or their ex cannot have the financial security that they do not have – especially when there is no money left.
It may not be possible for support payers to pay full child support or spousal support right now. That does not mean that they can just ignore court orders. They may have to make up the missed payments later, or it may be necessary to adjust support going forward, although, with the current restricted access to the Ontario Courts, that can be tricky and may be difficult going forward if the support payer does not do things correctly.
This edition of the Ontario Family Law Podcast explains the basics of what both support payers and support recipients have to know during the Corona Virus Crisis. It has tips for moving forward to ensure that support remains fair in the short and long term.
For more information, check out www.DevryLaw.ca.
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Opening and closing music © 2010 Little Jackie Wright
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