Why am I obligated to pay child support even if I can’t see my child?

Child support is a legal obligation separate from access or visitation rights Under Canadian family law, child support payments and parenting time are treated as two distinct legal matters. Child support is a fundamental right of the child that ensures their basic needs are met, regardless of the relationship between parents or access arrangements. The legal framework is based on these key principles: Children have the right to financial support from both parents Support obligations exist independently of custody or access rights The child's best interests remain the primary consideration Payment disputes cannot be used to deny visitation rights If you're being denied access to your child, the appropriate response is to seek legal remedies through the court system to enforce your parenting time rights, while continuing to meet your support obligations. Withholding child support payments can result in serious legal consequences, including wage garnishment or licence suspension.

Child Support vs. Visitation Rights in Canadian Law

Child support is a legal obligation separate from access or visitation rights

Under Canadian family law, child support payments and parenting time are treated as two distinct legal matters. Child support is a fundamental right of the child that ensures their basic needs are met, regardless of the relationship between parents or access arrangements.

The legal framework is based on these key principles:

Children have the right to financial support from both parents
Support obligations exist independently of custody or access rights
The child’s best interests remain the primary consideration
Payment disputes cannot be used to deny visitation rights

If you’re being denied access to your child, the appropriate response is to seek legal remedies through the court system to enforce your parenting time rights, while continuing to meet your support obligations. Withholding child support payments can result in serious legal consequences, including wage garnishment or licence suspension.