Child support helps cover a child’s costs after parents separate. The amount depends on the rules that apply to your family, income and parenting arrangements. Start with the applicable guidelines, then work out how payments will be recorded, updated and collected.
Canada · Checked 17 September 2026
Canada has federal and provincial or territorial child support rules. The Federal Child Support Guidelines are used in many divorce cases, but they do not govern every family. A family justice service in your province or territory can help identify the applicable rules.
The explanation below describes the federal guidelines. Do not use a federal estimate as a final calculation for a case governed by a different system.
Under the federal guidelines, the usual starting point for a child below the age of majority is a table amount based on the paying parent’s income, the number of children and the applicable province or territory. When the paying parent lives in Canada, their province of residence normally determines which table is used.
Income is not simply the money left after household bills. The guidelines set rules for working it out, and adjustments can be needed for self-employment, fluctuating earnings or other circumstances. Use the current tables and the relevant income information.
Support for an older child can continue in qualifying circumstances. Reaching 18 does not automatically answer whether an existing obligation ends.
Section 7 expenses means the special or extraordinary expenses listed in that section of the federal guidelines. Examples include eligible childcare, certain uninsured health costs and post-secondary education. They are assessed for necessity and reasonableness.
The cost is considered after relevant subsidies, benefits, tax deductions or credits and any child’s contribution. The general approach is sharing in proportion to the parents’ incomes. It does not mean every purchase one parent chooses automatically becomes a shared bill.
If each parent has at least 40% of parenting time over a year, the federal shared-parenting provision applies. Both table amounts, the increased costs of shared care and the circumstances of the parents and child are considered. Equal time does not necessarily mean zero support.
A notice of assessment is the Canada Revenue Agency’s statement after processing a tax return. It is different from the return you submitted.
Record the regular amount, due dates, payment method, handling of extra expenses and how updated income will be exchanged. Local services can explain agreements, court orders and any calculation or recalculation service available to your family.
Enforcement and changing the amount are separate processes. If circumstances change, find out how to update the agreement or order; do not assume an enforcement office can decide a new amount.
This guide explains general rules and services. It does not assess your individual case.
Information checked on 17 September 2026.
Based on the original article by Elisabeth Scholander.
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