Child Raising Support for Divorced Couples?

Question

My parents have been divorced since I was 3 years old. Before my dad used to pay about $500 per month for my raising, since I live with my mom. But because my mom has a new car, and we rent our home and all, it seems that I don't get enough money. Just since 2006 and now, he has been paying me only $170 to raise me for child support or whatever. Now, I can't cover my medical fees for asthma, and school. I don't even have enough money that I can save up to get a DJ starter set. I eavesdropped when he took me out to eat, he was talking to his doctor about his Hep B and C results, and his friends say that he said he's been playing with WOMEN. Is it right to only give me $170? I don't even have money to buy some fun stuff other than clothes and earrings, that my mom buys me all. How much should a Canadian citizen dad give to their daughter? Can I get my mom to speak with a lawyer? I'm only 12 years old. Because I really think the money he pays per MONTH! I can't survive with.

Answer 1

Well, first of all, child support isn't intended to be spending money for the child. The fact that you can't get a new "DJ starter set" has absolutely nothing to do with your dads child support payments.

BUT... $170/mo sounds very low, especially if you have health or school expenses. Your mom can request the order to be reviewed (the division handling the collection of the support does this.. no lawyers necessary... at least that's how it is here in the US). Basically (again, in the US) they take each parents income into account, then add up all the expenses related to the child. Each parent is responsible for a certain percentage of the child-rearing expenses, based on their income level. Say your mom makes $2k/mo and your dad makes $3k/mo. He'd be responsible for about 2/3 of the expenses. BUT... expenses do not count "fun money". Just stuff like clothing, school tuition, health insurance, etc.

Answer 2

You know my daughter does just fine on the $150.00 a month her dad sends her and we live in California..I pay rent $1,600.00 a month as a matter of fact. and I pay all the bills..I think $170.00 is allot of money just think when your 16 you can get a job.I give every penny to my daughter it's called Child support not Mother support.I pay the rent my daughter is not the one who signed the lease she also she is not responsible pay any part of the gas,water,trash I am If I cant support her on what I make I need to get a job which pays me enough where I can raise her.I get so sick of women sucking men dry.Maybe you should go live with your dad if your mom can not support you and have her pay your dad $500.00 a month.