Christopher Giggey

The parties brought cross-motions for temporary orders regarding parenting and child support.

The mother sought retroactive and ongoing contribution for section 7 expenses totaling over $86,000, which included the $29,000 purchase of a horse for the child's anxiety.

The court dismissed the mother's motion for section 7 expenses, finding the horseback riding costs excessive and unreasonable given the parties' incomes.

The court also declined to apportion other valid expenses due to insufficient evidence regarding the self-employed mother's true income.

Parenting issues were deferred pending reunification counselling.

The applicant brought a motion for interim spousal support.

The parties were unmarried but shared a child and had cohabited, meeting the definition of 'spouse' under the Family Law Act.

The court found the applicant established a prima facie case for needs-based support due to a significant income disparity and her role as primary caregiver.

The respondent was ordered to pay interim spousal support of $741 per month, representing the low end of the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines, along with retroactive arrears.