Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Child Support Doesn’t Magically Disappear at 18
2. What Is ‘The Age of Majority’ in Ontario, and Why Does It Matter?
3. Do Parents Still Pay Child Support After a Child Turns 18 in Ontario?
4. Who Is Eligible for Child Support Past the Age of Majority?
5. Common Scenarios: When Child Support Continues for Adult Children
6. How Much is Child Support for Children Over 18?
7. How Does Post-Secondary Education Affect Child Support?
8. What If the Adult Child Has a Disability or Special Needs?
9. Modifying or Ending Child Support: What Are the Rules?
10. Why Choose Tailor Law for Complex Child Support Matters?
11. Frequently Asked Questions: Child Support for Adult Children in Ontario

1. Introduction: Child Support Doesn’t Magically Disappear at 18

 

Turning 18 is a big deal. You can vote, buy lottery tickets, and officially call yourself an “adult.” But does that mean the Bank of Mom and Dad closes its doors, at least as far as child support payments are concerned? Not so fast!

 

Contrary to popular belief (and the wishful thinking of many parents), child support in Ontario doesn’t always end the moment your child blows out those 18 candles. The law recognizes that adulthood is, let’s be honest, not always a one-size-fits-all milestone. Sometimes, grown-up kids still need a helping hand—and the courts are well aware.

 

Before you start planning your post-support tropical vacation, read on. This guide will answer all your burning questions about child support for children over the age of majority in Ontario. We’ll sprinkle in a dash of humor, plenty of legal expertise, and the latest Ontario family law insights. Ready? Let’s dive in.

 

 

 

2. What Is ‘The Age of Majority’ in Ontario, and Why Does It Matter?

 

If you’re searching for “child support after 18 in Ontario,” you’ll notice one phrase keeps popping up: “the age of majority.” But what does it actually mean?

 

In Ontario, the age of majority is 18. That’s when you’re considered a legal adult. But here’s the twist—child support law doesn’t always care about birthdays alone. Instead, it focuses on a child’s life circumstances.

 

Why does this matter? Because ending support at 18 might leave some young adults in the lurch—especially those still in school or facing other challenges. Ontario’s Family Law Act and the federal Divorce Act both allow for child support beyond the age of majority if certain conditions are met.

 

So, if you’re a parent hoping for a finish line, or a young adult wondering if support continues, the answer is: “It depends!” (How lawyerly of us.)

 

 

 

3. Do Parents Still Pay Child Support After a Child Turns 18 in Ontario?

 

You bet! The law recognizes that life isn’t so tidy. Child support responsibilities can—and often do—continue after a child turns 18 in Ontario.

 

What triggers continued support? The key factors are:

• Enrolment in full-time education (like college or university)
• Illness, disability, or other circumstances that mean the child can’t be self-sufficient

 

Both the Family Law Act (Ontario) and the federal Divorce Act support these exceptions. So, if your child is hitting the books or facing unique challenges, the obligation doesn’t just vanish.

 

In fact, courts have a lot of discretion in these cases. They’ll look at the facts: Is the child in school? Are they living at home? Are they making an honest effort to become independent? The answers shape whether child support continues—and for how long.

 

 

 

4. Who Is Eligible for Child Support Past the Age of Majority?

 

Here’s where things get interesting—and sometimes, a bit complicated. Not every 18+ child automatically qualifies for ongoing support. The law draws some lines.

 

In Ontario, children may be eligible if:

• They’re “enrolled in a full-time program of education” (university, college, or sometimes even high school)
• They have a disability or illness that makes them unable to withdraw from parental care
• They’re dependent for another valid reason recognized by the court

 

Let’s break that down:

• Post-secondary students: If your 19-year-old is still in full-time university, child support often continues—sometimes even for multiple degrees, depending on the circumstances.
• Adult children with disabilities: Support can continue as long as the disability persists and the child remains dependent.
• Other unique cases: Sometimes, other factors come into play, such as temporary illness or unique educational programs.

 

Key takeaway: If your child is no longer “dependent”—meaning they’re working full-time, supporting themselves, or have finished their education—support usually ends. But as always, there are exceptions.

 

 

 

5. Common Scenarios: When Child Support Continues for Adult Children

Let’s paint some real-world pictures. Here are the most common cases where child support goes beyond the age of majority in Ontario:

1. University and College Students

Picture this: Your child is 19, enrolled full-time at university, living at a student residence during the school year but coming home in the summer. You’re still paying tuition, books, and a mountain of groceries. The courts recognize this scenario—and support likely continues.

2. Children with Disabilities

Suppose your adult child has a disability that makes full independence impossible. The law says support can persist for as long as they remain dependent, regardless of age.

3. The “Gap Year” or Delayed Education

What if your child takes a gap year or doesn’t go straight to university? The answer is, “it depends.” Courts look at whether the child is making a genuine effort to become independent or whether the delay is reasonable.

4. Multiple Degrees or Changing Programs

Is child support guaranteed for every degree? Not always. Courts consider whether continued education is reasonable and whether the child is progressing in good faith.

 

The bottom line: Each family’s situation is unique. Courts weigh the facts and circumstances to decide if support should continue—and for how long.

 

 

 

6. How Much is Child Support for Children Over 18?

Okay, so support continues. But how much? Is there a magic formula for child support after the age of majority in Ontario?

The Child Support Guidelines Still Apply—Sort Of

The Federal Child Support Guidelines and Ontario Child Support Guidelines are still your starting point. But after age 18, there’s more flexibility, and the court can depart from the strict “table amount” in some cases.

Key Factors Affecting the Amount

• Living Arrangements: Is the child living at home full-time, part-time, or away at school? If they’re away, costs might be split differently.
• Education Expenses: Tuition, books, residence fees, and even transportation can all be considered “special or extraordinary expenses.”
• Child’s Own Income: If the adult child has a part-time job or scholarships, those may offset the support amount.

Common Approaches

• Living at Home: If the adult child lives with the recipient parent, the usual table amount often applies.
• Living Away for School: Parents may split post-secondary costs proportionally, sometimes in addition to or instead of the table amount.

 

Hot tip: Courts have flexibility. You’ll definitely want legal advice to make sure support is fair and reflects your situation.

 

 

 

7. How Does Post-Secondary Education Affect Child Support?

 

If you’re searching “child support for university students in Ontario,” you’re not alone. Post-secondary education is one of the biggest reasons support continues past 18.

Full-Time Studies: The Main Requirement

For support to continue, your child generally needs to be enrolled in a recognized, full-time program. Summer breaks don’t usually disqualify them, but taking a year off might.

Splitting the Costs

It’s not just about monthly payments anymore. The court may order both parents to contribute to:

• Tuition
• Books and supplies
• Residence or rent
• Meal plans
• Transportation

The child is often expected to contribute as well, through part-time work or scholarships.

How Long Does Support Last?

Support typically continues until the first undergraduate degree is finished, but there are exceptions. If your child decides to become a professional student (hello, third master’s degree), the court may cut off support if it seems unreasonable.

 

 

 

8. What If the Adult Child Has a Disability or Special Needs?

This is one of the most important—and sensitive—areas of child support law in Ontario.

No Age Limit for Disability Support

If your adult child has a disability or illness that prevents them from becoming self-supporting, child support can continue indefinitely. The law’s goal is to ensure vulnerable children remain protected, even as adults.

What Qualifies?

• Physical disabilities
• Mental health conditions
• Chronic illness

Courts look at medical evidence, the child’s ability to work, and the level of dependency.

Calculating Support

The amount of support may vary depending on the child’s needs, government benefits, and the parents’ financial situations. There’s no “one size fits all”—each case is unique.

 

 

 

9. Modifying or Ending Child Support: What Are the Rules?

Life changes. Maybe your child graduates, gets a job, or moves out. Or maybe circumstances change for one of the parents. When can you stop paying child support in Ontario?

When Does Child Support End?

Child support for adult children usually ends when:

• The child finishes their education and becomes self-supporting
• The child turns 18 and is no longer in school or dependent
• A court order or separation agreement specifies an end date

How to Modify Support

You can’t just stop paying because you think support should end. You need to:

1. Check your agreement or court order: Does it specify an end date?
2. Apply to the court: If not, you’ll need to file a motion to change, providing evidence of the new circumstances.
3. Get legal help: Modifying support can be tricky, and courts require solid proof.

What If the Other Parent Disagrees?

If parents can’t agree, a judge will decide based on the facts. It’s crucial to document changes in school status, employment, or other relevant factors.

 

 

 

 

10. Why Choose Tailor Law for Complex Child Support Matters?

At Tailor Law, we know Ontario’s family law inside and out—including the twists and turns of child support for adult children. Our team combines legal expertise with a genuine understanding of your family’s needs.

 

Why trust us?

• Deep experience handling post-majority child support cases
• Up-to-date knowledge of Ontario family law and the latest court trends
• Compassionate, client-focused service—no stuffy legalese
• Clear, honest advice about your rights and options at every step

 

Whether you’re a parent facing ongoing obligations or an adult child seeking support, we’ll help you navigate the process with confidence (and maybe a chuckle or two).

 

Want more information? Contact Tailor Law today for a free consultation and let us help you get clarity on your next steps.

 

For tailored legal advice about your specific child support situation, trust the team at Tailor Law. We’re the go-to family law firm in Mississauga and across Ontario for complex support cases and compassionate legal guidance.