Understanding Child Support in Ontario
Whether you’re recently separated or reviewing an existing arrangement, knowing how child support is calculated in Ontario is essential. Support obligations affect both the payor and recipient parent, and understanding the process can help you stay compliant and focused on your child’s best interests.
This guide covers how child support is determined, what factors influence payments, how to handle special expenses, and what to do if circumstances change.
What Is Child Support?
Child support is a legal obligation in Ontario that ensures both parents contribute financially to their child’s care. It is usually paid by the parent with less parenting time (the “payor”) to the parent with primary care of the child.
Support payments are intended to cover a child’s essential living expenses, including:
- Food
- Clothing
- Housing
- Basic school supplies
- Some extracurricular activities
For more details on the purpose of child support, visit What Does Child Support Really Cover?
How Is Child Support Calculated in Ontario?
Child support in Ontario is determined using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which base payments on:
- The payor’s gross annual income
- The number of children
- The province of residence (Ontario has its own guideline table)
To estimate the amount, you can use the Child Support Calculator provided by the Government of Canada.
You can also read How the Guidelines Work for a deeper understanding of how the system functions.
Example: A parent earning $60,000 annually with two children would refer to the Ontario guideline table to find their monthly support obligation.
What If Parenting Time Is Shared?
If each parent has the child at least 40% of the time, the arrangement is considered shared parenting. In these cases, child support is adjusted by considering:
- Each parent’s income
- The percentage of time the child spends with each parent
- Additional expenses like childcare or medical costs
Generally, both parents’ support obligations are calculated, and the higher-income parent pays the difference.
Learn more in Shared Parenting: What It Means for Child Support.
What Are Special or Extraordinary Expenses (Section 7)?
In addition to base child support, the law allows for Section 7 expenses, which include:
- Daycare or childcare
- Health and dental insurance premiums
- Medical costs exceeding $100/year
- Tutoring or special education
- Post-secondary education
- Competitive extracurriculars (e.g. sports, music)
These expenses are typically shared proportionately based on each parent’s income.
For examples and breakdowns, see Understanding Section 7 Expenses.
What Happens If a Parent Doesn’t Pay Child Support?
In Ontario, the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) enforces child support orders and agreements.
If a parent falls behind on payments, FRO can take actions like:
- Garnishing wages or bank accounts
- Suspending driver’s licenses
- Seizing passports
- Reporting arrears to credit agencies
Support obligations are legally binding. Avoiding them can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. Read How FRO Can Enforce Support for more detail.
Can Child Support Be Changed?
Yes—support can be recalculated or varied when there is a material change in circumstances, such as:
- A significant change in income
- A change in parenting time
- A child completing or beginning post-secondary education
Some jurisdictions offer an online recalculation service for annual updates.
To apply for a formal change, see How to Change a Child Support Order.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Child Support Issues?
While it’s possible to resolve support issues without a lawyer, it’s wise to consult one if:
- You’re unsure how to calculate accurate amounts
- You want a formal, enforceable agreement
- You’re dealing with a dispute or court motion
Fixed-fee family law services are often available for support-specific matters, offering peace of mind at a predictable cost.
Need help finding the right lawyer? Start with Choosing the Right Family Lawyer.
Final Thoughts
Child support plays a critical role in ensuring your child’s financial well-being and your legal stability. By understanding how support is calculated, when it can be changed, and how it’s enforced in Ontario, you can make decisions that protect your family’s future.
✅ Upcoming Webinar: Calculating and Understanding Child Support
📅 Date: July 22 at 5PM ET
🎓 Free online session explaining how child support works in Ontario—including parenting time, shared expenses, and enforcement.
👉 Register here
