What is the Support Information Exchange?

Most separation agreements and the majority of court orders in Canada and United States contain clauses which require the parties to annually exchange tax information and special expense details for child support purposes. Serious financial consequences may arise for those who fail to comply.

The Ontario Child Support Guidelines require parties to child support orders or agreements to exchange support information annually. Effective March 1, 2010 all support orders in Ontario require annual updating of income and section 7 expenses. Specifically all orders contain the following cause:

For as long as child support is to be paid, the payor and recipient, if applicable must provide updated income disclosure to the other party each year, within 30 days of the anniversary of this order, in accordance with section 24.1 of the Child Support Guidelines.

Section 24.1 of the Ontario Child Support Guidelines specify that the tax return for the most recent year, including any materials included in the return such as T4 slips and the

Notice of Assessment or Reassessment from Canada Revenue MUST be supplied to the other party each year. In addition, the parties MUST supply current information in writing about the status and amount of any special expenses ( section 7 expenses ) and details of any student loans, scholarships or bursaries that will affect a court order for post-secondary expense contributions.

The risk of ignoring this annual disclosure requirement can be financially devastating. Proving that the annual disclosure requirements have been met is usually difficult and costly. Newly separated parents can simplify the process by immediately beginning the required disclosure process and track payments and expenses upon registration.

Registration and participation in the Support Information Exchange is an essential step for parties to organize, manage and comply with their family support responsibilities.

Active email addresses for both parties are required.

To register click here.

Support Information Exchange.com is wholly owned and operated by Support Information Exchange Inc., a private Ontario Corporation. The President and General Counsel of Support Information Exchange Inc. is Michael J. Marra, an Ontario lawyer with over thirty years experience in Family Law. For more information regarding Mr. Marra’s professional background refer to www.thefrosolution.com. This site does not provide legal advice or legal services. Parties are encouraged to seek legal advice on all matters regarding family law and child support issues in particular.