John P. Schuman C.S., Child and Family Law

47 - How COVID19 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 all together.  What happens to 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 spouse who are dependent on that support remain dependent on that support.  

However, many support payers feel that the children or their ex cannot have 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.

If you found this episode helpful or interesting, check out the following episodes:

• 46 - Do Parenting Plans and Family Court Orders Continue During COVID-19?
• 45 - Resolving Family Law Matters While the Courts Are Closed Due To COVID-19
• 32 - How to Change a Support Order or Agreement
• 30 - Spousal Support (Alimony) Entitlement
• 13 - Spousal Support in Ontario 
• 10 - Child Support in Ontario and Canada

Paperback available from:

The Ontario Family Law Podcast is a companion to the book, Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law, which is available  as a $9.99 Kindle eBook, Kobo eBook, or iBook for your iPad or iPhone and as a paperback from Amazon and better bookstores.   Anyone who has to deal with issues that may go to Family Court, such as  child custody, child access or parenting after separation, should rely on both of the Ontario Family Law Podcast and the Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law for  give easy-to-understand information and advice about how the law applies to their case and what are the best ways to address their concerns.  The book also covers all the other related family law issues, such as child support, spousal support, property division and restraining orders.  To get your copy of the book, click on the picture of the book above and to the left.

Thousands of people tune into the Ontario Family Law Podcast to get valuable pointers on family law, divorce and separation issues.  Please feel free to share this podcast with your social network using the sharing buttons below.  The host of the Ontario Family Law Podcast, John Schuman, is a Certified Specialist in Family Law, practicing in Toronto.  If you would like to contact him, either call 416-446-5847, email us,  or fill out form below and click “send.”

You can comment on this podcast using the comments section below.  Share your experiences with losing money - or coming out ahead, in your separation or divorce to supplement what people learn from this important podcast. 

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