On behalf of Gary Kirk of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP posted in Family Law on Monday, October 10, 2016.
When a relationship ends, both parents are responsible for the financial well-being of any children they had together. To ensure their financial well-being, child support payments are mandated by both federal and Alberta law and will vary depending on many factors relating to custody and income. Such payments can become burdensome, and in a recent case, they actually led a man to engage in criminal behaviour.
A 26-year old Medicine Hat man was arrested after committing fraud at work. Using old receipts, the former paint-store worker falsified refunds and then transferred the money to his bank account. In total, he made seven fraudulent refunds adding up to more than $1,200.
After his arrest, the man confessed his crime in a letter. In making his decision, the judge took into consideration the man’s lack of a prior criminal record and noted the accused was attempting to raise funds to make child support payments after the mother of his child left him and resettled in northern Alberta. He received a sentence of 45 days in jail followed by 16 months probation for committing fraud under $5,000.
The law strives to protect children financially in the event of a separation of the parents through child support payments. The financial obligation handed down by the courts seeks to be fair for all involved, but it can sometimes be difficult to bear. Couples who separate may choose to mediate their separation and avoid litigation. Mediation through a family law firm in Alberta can help both parents make decisions that are agreeable to everyone.
Source: medicinehatnews.com, “Longtime property criminal pleads guilty, heading to jail”, Peggy Revell, August 27, 2016
Related Posts: Understanding home ownership and property rights in a divorce, Travelling without children during a family law dispute, Set boundaries and rules to protect kids from child custody drama, Protecting credit amidst a family law dispute