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Child Support Termination Guide

When Does Child Support End in Ontario?(Hint: It's Not Automatically 18)

Many parents plan a "Financial Freedom Party" for their child's 18th birthday. But if you stop paying without a court order, you might wake up to a garnished bank account.

Learn the ProcedureBook Strategy Session

Legal Strategy Reviewed

Legal Strategy reviewed by Deepa Tailor, Senior Family Lawyer. Updated January 2026 to reflect current Family Responsibility Office (FRO) protocols.

Too Busy to Read? The 30-Second Answer:

1

The Rule:

Child support does NOT automatically stop at age 18. It continues as long as the child is a "Child of the Marriage" (e.g., in full-time school).

2

Post-Secondary:

Support usually continues until the child completes their first post-secondary degree/diploma (approx. age 22).

3

The FRO:

If your case is with the Family Responsibility Office, you cannot just stop paying. You must file a Motion to Change or a Consent Motion to terminate the enforcement.

The "Forever" Payment Trap

Many parents plan a "Financial Freedom Party" for their child's 18th birthday. They circle the date on the calendar, counting down the years until child support obligations end. But here's the reality: if you stop paying without a court order, you might wake up to a garnished bank account, frozen assets, and a suspended driver's license.

In Ontario, child support doesn't automatically terminate when your child turns 18. The law recognizes that many young adults continue to depend on parental support while pursuing education, dealing with disabilities, or transitioning to independence.

The Disruptor Insight

"We hear it every week: 'My kid graduated high school, so I stopped paying.' Then the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) starts enforcement proceedings. The FRO is a collection agency—they follow the last court order until you give them a new one saying 'Stop.'"

This guide explains exactly when child support obligations end in Ontario, how to properly terminate payments through the FRO, and what happens if your child pursues post-secondary education. Whether you're approaching your child's 18th birthday or dealing with a university-aged adult child, understanding these rules can save you thousands in enforcement penalties.

"Child of the Marriage" Defined

What Does "Child of the Marriage" Mean?

Under the Divorce Act and Family Law Act, a "child of the marriage" is a child who is either:

Under Age 18

Any child under the age of majority (18 in Ontario) is automatically considered a child of the marriage.

Over 18 But Dependent

A child over 18 who cannot withdraw from parental control due to illness, disability, or full-time education.

When Does a Child "Withdraw from Parental Control"?

In Ontario, we don't use the American term "emancipation." Instead, courts look at whether the child has "withdrawn from parental control." This is a fact-specific analysis that considers:

Living Situation

Does the child live independently or still reside with a parent?

Financial Independence

Is the child self-supporting through full-time employment?

Educational Status

Is the child pursuing full-time post-secondary education?

Critical Warning

A child who moves out at 16 or 17 does NOT automatically terminate your support obligation. If they're still in high school or unable to support themselves, you likely still owe support. Courts look at the reason for leaving (kicked out vs. voluntary departure) and whether the child is still dependent.

University & College: The Grey Area

Post-secondary education creates the most confusion around child support termination. Here's what you need to know:

The "First Degree" Rule

Ontario courts typically order child support to continue until the child completes their first post-secondary degree or diploma. This usually means:

Support Continues For:

  • 4-year undergraduate degree (BA, BSc, BEng)
  • 3-year college diploma programs
  • Professional programs (Nursing, Engineering Tech)
  • Summer breaks between academic years

Support May End For:

  • Second degrees (Master's, PhD) unless exceptional circumstances
  • Part-time studies while working full-time
  • Extended programs due to poor academic performance
  • Career changes requiring new credentials

How Support Changes During University

Table Amount May Decrease

If the child lives away at school (residence or off-campus), the base "Table Amount" of child support may be reduced or eliminated because the child is no longer living with the recipient parent full-time. However, this is not automatic—it requires a Motion to Change.

Section 7 Expenses Increase

While base support may drop, Section 7 "Special Expenses" typically increase dramatically to cover:

  • Tuition fees (proportionate to income)
  • Textbooks and course materials
  • Residence or off-campus housing
  • Meal plans or food allowances
  • Transportation costs (if commuting)

Strategic Insight

Many parents are shocked to discover their total support obligation actually increases when their child starts university. While the monthly base payment might drop from $1,200 to $600, they're now paying 50% of $15,000/year in tuition plus residence costs. We help parents negotiate realistic contribution limits based on the child's program choice and their own financial capacity.

How to Stop Paying: The Procedure

Critical Rule

You cannot simply stop paying child support when your child turns 18 or graduates. You must obtain a court order or signed agreement terminating the obligation. Otherwise, arrears continue to accumulate, and the FRO can enforce collection.

There are two paths to properly terminate child support in Ontario:

Scenario A: Amicable

Consent Motion to Change

If both parents agree that support should end, you can file a Consent Motion to Change (Form 15) with a Consent Order (Form 25A).

The Process:
  1. 1.Draft the Consent Order: Both parties sign a document stating support ends as of [specific date].
  2. 2.File with the Court: Submit the signed consent to the court that issued the original order.
  3. 3.Judge Reviews: A judge reviews the consent to ensure it's reasonable (usually rubber-stamped if the child is clearly no longer dependent).
  4. 4.Send to FRO: File the signed court order with the Family Responsibility Office using Form 15D (Notice of Termination).

Timeline: 2-4 weeks

Cost: $1,500-$3,000 in legal fees (if using a lawyer to draft)

Scenario B: Dispute

Contested Motion to Change

If the other parent disagrees (e.g., they claim the child is still in school or unable to work), you must file a contested Motion to Change and prove the child is no longer eligible.

The Process:
  1. 1.File Motion to Change: Submit Form 15 with your affidavit explaining why support should end.
  2. 2.Serve the Other Party: Legally serve the motion on your ex-spouse.
  3. 3.Gather Evidence: Proof that the child dropped out, is working full-time, or is no longer dependent.
  4. 4.Attend Court: Present your case at a motion hearing or settlement conference.
  5. 5.Obtain Order: If successful, the judge issues an order terminating support.
  6. 6.File with FRO: Submit the order to FRO with Form 15D.

Timeline: 4-8 months

Cost: $5,000-$15,000+ depending on complexity

Evidence You'll Need

Educational Status

  • Graduation certificate
  • Withdrawal from school letter
  • Academic transcripts

Employment Status

  • Employment letter
  • Pay stubs
  • Tax returns (T4s)

Living Situation

  • Lease agreement
  • Utility bills in child's name
  • Bank statements

The FRO Factor: Why You Can't Just Stop

Understanding the Family Responsibility Office

The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) is Ontario's government enforcement agency for child support. They are not a court—they are a collection agency. They follow the last court order on file, and they will continue to enforce that order until you give them a new one saying "Stop."

What Happens If You Just Stop Paying?

Many parents mistakenly believe they can simply stop making payments once their child turns 18 or graduates. Here's what actually happens:

Arrears Accumulate

Every missed payment is recorded as "arrears" (debt). Even if your child is 25 and self-supporting, if you never filed a termination order, the FRO considers you in default.

Bank Account Garnishment

The FRO can freeze and seize funds from your bank accounts without warning. You wake up one morning and your account is empty.

License Suspension

The FRO can suspend your driver's license if you're in arrears. This can impact your ability to work and earn income.

Passport Denial

If you owe more than $3,000 in arrears, the FRO can notify the federal government to deny or revoke your passport.

Wage Garnishment

The FRO can garnish up to 50% of your wages directly from your employer. Your employer is legally required to comply.

Credit Bureau Reporting

The FRO reports arrears to credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion), which can destroy your credit score and ability to get loans or mortgages.

How to Properly Terminate FRO Enforcement

1

Obtain a Court Order

You must first obtain a court order (either by consent or contested motion) that states child support is terminated as of a specific date.

2

Complete Form 15D

Fill out Form 15D: Notice of Termination. This form tells the FRO to stop enforcement.

Download Form 15D:

Ontario Court Forms Website
3

Submit to FRO

Send the completed Form 15D along with a certified copy of the court order to the FRO.

FRO Contact Information:

PO Box 200, Oshawa, ON L1H 8L7

1-800-267-7263

www.mcss.gov.on.ca/fro

4

Wait for Confirmation

The FRO will process your termination request (usually 2-4 weeks) and send you written confirmation that enforcement has ended.

Pro Tip

Do NOT email the FRO and expect them to stop enforcement. They require official court documents. Calling them to say "My kid graduated" will not stop the collection process. You need Form 15D and a court order—nothing else will work.

Learn More About Enforcement & Changes

Frequently Asked Questions

My child moved out at 16. Do I still have to pay child support?
It depends on the circumstances. If the child voluntarily left home and is self-supporting, you may be able to terminate support. However, if the child is still in high school, unable to work, or was forced to leave due to conflict, courts often continue support. The key question is whether the child has 'withdrawn from parental control.' You'll need to file a Motion to Change and provide evidence of the child's living situation, income, and educational status.
Can I just email the FRO to tell them my child graduated?
No. The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) is a collection agency that follows court orders. They do not accept emails, phone calls, or informal notices as grounds to stop enforcement. You must submit Form 15D (Notice of Termination) along with a certified copy of a court order that terminates child support. Without these official documents, the FRO will continue to collect payments and treat you as being in arrears.
Do I still pay child support during summer break from university?
Yes, in most cases. Child support typically continues year-round while the child is enrolled in full-time post-secondary education, including summer breaks. The rationale is that the child remains dependent during these months and may be working part-time or taking summer courses. However, if the child takes a gap year or drops out, you may be able to terminate or reduce support during that period.
Does shared parenting mean I don't have to pay child support?
Not necessarily. Child support is based on the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which consider both parents' incomes and the amount of parenting time. If you have the child 40% or more of the time, you may qualify for a 'set-off' calculation where the higher-income parent pays the difference. However, even with 50/50 parenting time, the higher earner usually pays some support. This is separate from the question of when support ends—shared parenting doesn't automatically terminate support when the child turns 18.
Can my child decide where they want to live and whether I pay support?
No. While courts consider the views and preferences of older children (typically 12+), children do not have the legal authority to decide custody, parenting arrangements, or child support. These decisions are made by parents (through agreement) or by a judge based on the 'Best Interests of the Child' test. A 16-year-old saying 'I want to live with Dad' does not automatically change the support obligation—you still need a court order or consent agreement.
How much does it cost to terminate child support?
If both parents agree (Consent Motion to Change), legal fees typically range from $1,500 to $3,000 for drafting and filing. If the other parent disputes the termination (Contested Motion to Change), costs can escalate to $5,000-$15,000+ depending on the complexity, number of court appearances, and whether you need to gather extensive evidence. Court filing fees are approximately $280 for a Motion to Change in Ontario.
Can I stop paying support if my ex blocks my access to the child?
No. This is one of the most common mistakes parents make. Child support and parenting time (access) are legally separate issues. Even if the other parent is violating a court order by denying you time with your child, you cannot withhold child support. Doing so will result in arrears, FRO enforcement, and damage to your credibility in court. Instead, file a Motion to Change or Motion for Contempt to enforce your parenting time rights.
What happens if I stop paying without a court order?
The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) will treat you as being in default and begin enforcement proceedings. This can include: garnishing your wages (up to 50%), freezing and seizing bank accounts, suspending your driver's license, reporting arrears to credit bureaus (destroying your credit score), denying or revoking your passport, and registering liens against your property. Arrears accumulate with interest, and you'll owe the full amount even if your child is now 25 and self-supporting.
Deepa Tailor, Senior Family Lawyer at Tailor Law

About the Author

Deepa TailorSenior Family Lawyer & Founder

Deepa Tailor is a Senior Family Lawyer specializing in Ontario divorce proceedings, complex property division, and high-stakes custody disputes. She provides strategic, results-driven advocacy to help clients protect their assets and secure their children's future, whether through amicable negotiation or vigorous courtroom representation.

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Close Your File Properly

Don't Let Arrears Accumulate

Whether your child just turned 18, graduated university, or started working full-time, we'll help you properly terminate child support and avoid FRO enforcement nightmares.

Amicable Termination

If both parents agree, we'll draft a Consent Motion to Change and handle all FRO paperwork. Quick, affordable, and stress-free.

  • Draft consent order
  • File with court
  • Submit Form 15D to FRO
  • Confirm termination

Contested Termination

If your ex disagrees, we'll file a Motion to Change and prove your child is no longer eligible for support. We handle the evidence, court appearances, and FRO enforcement.

  • Gather evidence (graduation, employment, living situation)
  • File contested motion
  • Represent you in court
  • Obtain termination order
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