Child Support After 18 in Ontario:
The Rules for Adult Children
Turning 18 does not automatically end support. Understanding how Post-Secondary Education and the 'Farden Factors' affect your financial obligations.
Legal Review: This age-of-majority guide was reviewed by Deepa Tailor, Senior Family Lawyer, to ensure compliance with Section 3(2) of the Child Support Guidelines and the Farden v. Farden legal test (2026).
Does Support Stop at Age 18?
No. In Ontario, support does NOT automatically terminate on a child's 18th birthday. If the child is enrolled in a full-time educational program (College or University) or has a disability, they remain a 'Child of the Marriage.' Support typically continues until the completion of a first undergraduate degree (approx. age 22), provided the child is diligently pursuing their studies.
The Legal Test for Adult Students
Judges use the 'Farden Factors' to decide if an adult student still deserves support.
Enrollment Status
Is the child studying full-time or part-time? Full-time students are usually eligible; part-time students are expected to work and support themselves.
Academic Performance
Is the child actually passing? Meaningful progress is required. Courts may terminate support if a student is failing or aimlessly switching majors.
Career Plans
Is the education leading to a viable career? 'Eternal students' staying in school just to get support will eventually be cut off.
Child's Contribution
Is the child working part-time or applying for OSAP/Scholarships? Adult children are expected to contribute reasonably to their own education costs.
The 'Section 3(2)' Math
The calculation method changes the day the child turns 18.
The Table Approach
Used if the child still lives at home while attending school.
The Payor continues to pay the standard monthly guideline amount based on income, just as they did when the child was 17.
The 'Needs & Means' Approach
Used if the child moves away for school.
The court looks at the child's actual budget (Rent + Tuition + Food), subtracts the child's own contribution (loans/income), and splits the remaining deficit between the parents.
When Can You Stop Paying?
Grounds for Termination
Withdrawal from Parental Control
If the child moves out, gets a full-time job, and refuses to follow rules or share school grades, they may be considered independent.
Completion of First Degree
Support usually ends after the first College Diploma or University Degree. Funding a Master's or PhD is rare and usually not mandatory.
The Gap Year
If the child takes a year off to travel or 'find themselves,' support typically pauses. It may resume if they return to school.
Marriage
If the adult child gets married or enters a common-law relationship, the parent's financial obligation ends immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about child support after age 18
If cooperative, 1-2 months. If litigated, getting a Temporary Order can take 3-6 months. The FRO takes another 30-60 days to set up the file.
Specific Support Topics
Explore related child support resources
Child Support Court Orders (Types)
Understanding the different types of court orders and their enforcement
Calculating Self-Employed Income
How child support is calculated when a parent is self-employed
Child Support Enforcement Lawyers
Legal help when support payments are not being made
Deepa Tailor
Senior Family Lawyer
Deepa Tailor is the founder of Tailor Law. She guides parents through the maze of Ontario's family law system, ensuring financial disclosure is accurate and support orders are enforceable.
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