Single parents who have custody of their children may get some tax benefits from the federal government. But there are times British Columbia parents might have to prove to the Canada Revenue Agency that they’re the custodial parent. When people fill out their tax returns in Canada, the government assumes citizens have declared all their income, but the agency has ways of checking these things. The CRA matches income slips to returns using Social Insurance numbers, making sure citizens have claimed everything. Essentially, claimed expenses, when they come to child custody, must be able to be proved should the government ask for clarification.

Single moms and dads have found that if they claim an eligible dependent (AED) for one child, it may attract the CRA’s attention. The AED can save about $1,700 in taxes, with further savings in each province, so it is a large claim. The CRA is requesting custody proof for many of these claims.

As long as single, custodial parents can provide the right documents to the CRA, the review should go smoothly. Those queried have 30 days to prove custody. Proof may be in the form of a birth certificate and a letter from the school the child attends or from the family doctor. The right paperwork must be presented to prove eligibility for the AED tax credit and without it, the CRA will recalculate tax returns by assuming the claimant doesn’t qualify for the credit.

There are many questions regarding child custody issues that an experienced British Columbia lawyer may be able to answer. A family law lawyer may also be able to point his or her clients in the direction of others knowledgeable in the issues surrounding custody, like those familiar with tax issues such as accountants. The guidance of a lawyer may prove invaluable in these cases.

Family Lawyers in Coquitlam

Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators
2755 Lougheed Hwy #710, Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 5Y9
(604) 945-4370
www.laughlinlaw.ca/

Source: huffingtonpost.ca, “The CRA Might Ask You to Prove Custody of Your Kids“.

Couples facing divorce have much on their minds — sometimes overwhelmingly so. Separating British Columbia couples, especially those with children, must realize they need to take care of their well-being to continue to be active parents. Divorce is one of the most stressful experiences in life, second only to the death of a child or partner. Divorce mediation can make what can be a very rocky path much easier to navigate.

In a divorce situation, those involved must acknowledge that things are hard. Researchers have proved that when people understand and give their fears credence, what they think are shortcomings and what causes them shame helps them to grow in maturity and strength. Divorce mediation can be a process that strengthens separating British Columbians.

Agreeing to divorce mediation can help a couple leave the negatives of their situation at the door and deal with difficult issues like adults. Asking for this help can reduce anxiety, help the couple to develop a new, co-operative parenting strategy for their children and help them to deal with the changes that are happening in their lives. There are healthy ways to get through a divorce, and engaging in divorce mediation is one of them.

Even for couples who have the help of an expert seasoned in divorce mediation, having the help of a lawyer experienced in family law will be invaluable. Any couple living in British Columbia considering divorce mediation over litigation will find that a family law lawyer will be able to recommend a mediator. A lawyer will also provide legal counsel regarding any agreements before being signed and given to the court.

Lawyer in Coquitlam

Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators
2755 Lougheed Hwy #710, Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 5Y9
(604) 945-4370

Source: canada.ca, “Helping children and youth live with separation and divorce,” Accessed on July 29, 2017