Special and Extraordinary Expenses Lawyers in the GTA
Daycare. Braces. University. Understanding your rights and obligations regarding 'Section 7' expenses beyond the basic monthly support cheque.
Legal Review: This guide was reviewed by Deepa Tailor, Senior Family Lawyer, to ensure compliance with the Federal Child Support Guidelines regarding Section 7 expenses (2026).
What qualifies as a 'Section 7' Expense?
The basic monthly Child Support payment covers food, shelter, and clothing. 'Section 7' covers specific Special and Extraordinary costs on top of that. These are shared by parents in proportion to their incomes.
To qualify, an expense must be:
- 1)Necessary (in the child's best interests) AND
- 2)Reasonable (given the parents' combined financial means)
The 5 Categories of Section 7 Expenses
Understanding what qualifies as a special or extraordinary expense under the Federal Child Support Guidelines.
Child Care
Daycare, nannies, or before/after-school care incurred to allow the parent to work or attend school.
Medical & Dental
Orthodontics (braces), glasses, therapy, and prescription drugs not covered by your insurance plan.
Education
Post-secondary education (College/University), private school tuition, and tutoring (if needed for learning disabilities).
Extraordinary Extracurriculars
Competitive sports (Rep Hockey, Dance) or high-level arts. Note: Basic house-league sports are usually covered by the base monthly support.
The Math Mistake Everyone Makes
You do not split the sticker price. You split the real cost.
The Sticker Price
Example: Daycare costs $1,000/month.
Many parents mistakenly think: "We earn the same, so I owe you $500."
The Net Cost (Correct)
We must deduct government subsidies and tax credits first.
$1,000 Cost - $400 Tax Benefit = $600 Net Cost
You split the $600. Tailor Law runs these calculations to ensure you don't overpay.
The Reimbursement Process
How to properly claim and share Section 7 expenses with your co-parent.
Consent
Consult your ex-partner before incurring the expense. You cannot just sign a kid up for a $5,000 camp and demand payment later.
Proof of Payment
Keep receipts. A credit card statement isn't enough; you need the detailed invoice showing what the service was.
The Exchange
Send receipts annually (or monthly). The other parent pays their proportionate share (e.g., 60%) of the net cost.
Enforcement
If they refuse to pay valid Section 7 costs, we can seek a Court Order to enforce payment through the FRO.
Section 7 FAQs
Usually NO. Courts typically view cell phones, internet, and clothes as part of the basic 'Table Amount,' unless essential for safety/medical reasons.
Deepa Tailor
Senior Family Lawyer
Deepa Tailor is the founder of Tailor Law. She helps parents in Mississauga and Toronto navigate complex financial disputes, ensuring Section 7 expenses are calculated fairly and accurately.
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