Child support exists to ensure that children continue to benefit from the financial resources of both parents after separation. In Ontario (and Canada generally), child support is typically calculated using federal guidelines that provide table amounts and rules for additional expenses. Understanding how the basic amount and extra costs are calculated, who pays, and how payments are enforced will help parents protect their child’s needs and avoid costly disputes.
Purpose and Importance of Child Support
Child support covers a child’s everyday needs (food, clothing, housing) and, where applicable, special or extraordinary expenses (e.g., childcare, medical needs, post-secondary costs). Courts and lawyers aim to prioritize the child’s standard of living and ongoing needs when setting support.
How Child Support Is Calculated in Ontario
Basic monthly child support usually starts with the Federal Child Support Guidelines’ table amount, which uses the payor’s income, the number of children, and the province of residence to produce a baseline monthly figure. Ministère de la Justice
Determining Parental Incomes and Expenses
The Guidelines include worksheets to calculate annual income for guideline purposes and to determine whether adjustments or shared-cost formulas apply. Parents must disclose income (tax returns, pay stubs) and relevant expenses. Ministère de la Justice
Types of Child Support Payments
- Table amount: the baseline monthly payment from the Tables.
- Special/extraordinary expenses: additional shared-cost items (child care, medical/dental not covered by insurance, extraordinary education costs) that are allocated between parents based on ability to pay. The basic monthly amount plus these shared expenses make up the full support obligation. CLEO
Duration of Support and Modification
Child support usually continues while the child is a minor and can extend for special circumstances (such as post-secondary support). Support orders can be varied if there is a material change in circumstances (job loss, substantial income change, or a change in parenting time).
Enforcement Mechanisms for Child Support
If payments aren’t made, the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) can help collect and enforce child (and spousal) support orders and agreements; it uses a range of enforcement tools to ensure payments are made. (See the FRO section below for enforcement specifics.) Ontario Courts
Impact of Parenting Time and Decision-Making on Support
Parenting time affects how support is calculated. Shared or split parenting, and arrangements where one parent has most of the parenting time, can change which guideline formula applies and whether both parents’ incomes factor into the calculation.
How to Apply for or Change Support Orders
You can set child support by agreement (written separation agreement) or ask the court to order support. Use the Federal Guidelines’ worksheets, gather full financial disclosure, and speak to a family lawyer if the case involves unusual expenses or complex incomes.
What if my ex spends my support payments on themselves rather than on our child?
Child support is intended for the child’s needs. Courts generally do not micromanage how a recipient spends their money, but the payer’s obligation remains unless a court or enforcement agency finds otherwise (for example, non-payment or misuse that harms the child can trigger enforcement or child-protection interventions). If payments stop or fall short, register the order with the Family Responsibility Office to pursue enforcement. Ontario Courts
Child support is focused on the child’s needs and combines a basic guideline amount with shared special expenses. Early, full financial disclosure and clear agreements reduce conflict and protect children’s stability. If you need help setting or varying support, consult a family lawyer and collect your financial documents (tax returns, pay stubs, receipts for special expenses).
Want a step-by-step walkthrough? Join our free webinar, Parent’s Guide to Child Support, on November 4 at 5PM ET to learn how support is calculated and what documentation will strengthen your case.
