F - Retroactive Support Jas Dhaliwal F - Retroactive Support Jas Dhaliwal

Family Law Principles that we can learn from Thompson v. Thompson 2013 ONSC 5500 (pleadings)

In cases of child or spousal support predating the start of proceedings, a party must specifically include a claim for retroactive relief in their pleading. This conclusion is based on considerations of certainty, fairness to the payor, and administration of justice. Allowing retroactive claims without specific pleading disrupts the balance between certainty and flexibility, undermines procedural fairness, and creates administrative challenges. The standard form Family Law Application should be amended to include separate headings for retroactive child and spousal support claims. If a litigant fails to plead for retroactive support, they should seek consent to amend their pleading early in the proceeding or request leave to amend before trial.

Read More