The Child Support FAQ: Everything Ontario Parents Need to Know About Child Support in 2025

Introduction

Let’s face it—navigating child support in Ontario can feel like wandering through a maze blindfolded, especially when you’re already juggling the emotional rollercoaster of separation or divorce. Whether you’re just starting the journey or knee-deep in paperwork, the last thing you need are legal surprises. That’s where The Child Support FAQ comes in: your one-stop, plain-language guide to the ins and outs of child support, specifically for Ontario parents in 2025.

Here, we’ll break down the most common questions families ask about child support, demystify the rules, and zero in on what really matters: securing your child’s best interests. From “How is it calculated?” to “What happens if my ex stops paying?”, we’ll cover it all—no confusing legal jargon, just clear answers you can actually use. And if you’re looking for guidance from trusted family lawyers, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Child Support in Ontario?
2. Who Has to Pay Child Support?
3. How Is Child Support Calculated in Ontario?
4. What Counts as “Income” for Child Support Purposes?
5. What Are Section 7 “Special or Extraordinary” Expenses?
6. What If We Have Shared or Split Custody?
7. How Do I Get a Child Support Order in Ontario?
8. How Is Child Support Enforced?
9. Can Child Support Be Changed or Adjusted?
10. What If My Ex Isn’t Paying Child Support?
11. When Does Child Support End in Ontario?
12. Conclusion
13. Child Support FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

What Is Child Support in Ontario?

Child support is, in a nutshell, the money one parent pays to the other to help cover the costs of raising their children after a separation or divorce. This isn’t optional—it’s a legal right of the child, not something parents can just “agree to skip.” The goal? Making sure kids have what they need to thrive, no matter which parent they live with most of the time.

Key points to remember:

• Child support is the right of the child—not the parent.
• It covers basic living expenses: food, clothing, shelter, education, and more.
• Parents can’t waive child support, even if they agree.

Who Has to Pay Child Support?

The answer isn’t always cut and dried, but here’s the gist: The parent the child doesn’t primarily live with (the “payor parent”) usually pays support to the parent the child lives with most of the time (the “recipient parent”).

But wait, it gets trickier! In shared or split custody, both parents might owe money, depending on incomes and time spent with the child. And, yes, biological parents, adoptive parents, and sometimes even step-parents or those in a parental role can be on the hook for support.

You might have to pay child support if:

• You’re the non-custodial parent (the child lives with you less than 40% of the time).
• You’re a step-parent or someone acting as a parent.
• You have a court order or separation agreement that says so.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Ontario?

Ah, the million-dollar question! Ontario uses the Federal Child Support Guidelines to figure out the base amount. Here’s how it works:

1. Figure out the payor’s gross annual income.
2. Find the corresponding amount on the Child Support Table for Ontario (based on the number of children).
3. Add special or extraordinary expenses, if any.

Example:
If you earn $60,000/year and have two kids, the Table tells you the basic monthly payment. Easy as pie? Not always. That’s why a family lawyer can help you double-check the math.

What affects the amount?

• Your income (before taxes/deductions)
• The number of kids you’re supporting
• The custody arrangement (sole, shared, split)
• Special or extraordinary expenses (more on those soon)

What Counts as “Income” for Child Support Purposes?

Don’t assume it’s just your salary! For child support, “income” means the total money you bring in from all sources, before taxes:

• Employment income (full-time, part-time, contract)
• Self-employment earnings
• Commissions, bonuses, overtime
• Rental income
• Investment income (interest, dividends)
• Employment insurance, CPP, disability, or pension
• Company perks and benefits (sometimes)

If your income is unpredictable (think: self-employed, gig worker, fluctuating commissions), the court might look at your average income over three years, or impute income if it thinks you’re hiding money or not working to your potential.

What Are Section 7 “Special or Extraordinary” Expenses?

Let’s talk about the “extras.” Section 7 of the Guidelines covers costs above and beyond the basics. These are expenses that are necessary and reasonable, not just “nice to have.”

Common Section 7 expenses:

• Childcare (so a parent can work or go to school)
• Medical or dental costs not covered by insurance
• School fees, tutoring, special educational needs
• Extracurriculars (sports, art, music, competitive programs)
• Post-secondary education

How are these expenses split?
Usually, both parents contribute based on their proportional incomes. For example, if you earn 70% of the combined family income, you’ll pay 70% of the expense.

Quick tip:
Always keep receipts and proof—don’t just rely on memory or old text messages!

What If We Have Shared or Split Custody?

Custody arrangements can throw a wrench into the typical child support calculation. Here’s what you need to know:

Shared Custody

• The child lives at least 40% of the time with each parent.
• Both parents calculate what they’d owe if the other had sole custody.
• The parent who owes more pays the difference (the “set-off” amount).

Split Custody

• Each parent has at least one child living primarily with them.
• Each parent pays the other based on their respective incomes and number of kids.

Bottom line:
Shared or split custody doesn’t mean no child support. It just means the math gets a little more interesting—and sometimes, a lot more complicated.

How Do I Get a Child Support Order in Ontario?

Ready to make it official? There are a few ways to get a child support order:

1. Separation Agreement:
   If you and your ex can agree (with or without lawyers), you can draft and sign a separation agreement that includes child support terms. Make sure it follows the Child Support Guidelines—courts won’t enforce “lowball” agreements.
2. Court Order:
   If you can’t agree, you’ll need a judge to decide. You can apply for child support in:
   • Family Court
   • Superior Court of Justice
   • Ontario Court of Justice
3. Online Child Support Service:
   Ontario offers an online service (Ontario Child Support Service, OCSS) for straightforward cases (no special expenses, no shared custody). You’ll need both parents’ consent and income info.

Pro tip:
Even if you’re on good terms, formalize your agreement. Handshake deals and emails rarely hold up in court.

How Is Child Support Enforced?

So you’ve got an order or agreement—now what? In Ontario, the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) steps in to make sure payments happen.

FRO can:

• Garnish wages (take money directly from paycheques)
• Seize bank accounts or tax refunds
• Suspend driver’s licenses or passports
• Report to credit bureaus

If your ex falls behind, the FRO has serious tools to help you collect what’s owed.

But remember:

• You must register your order or agreement with FRO.
• FRO can’t enforce informal deals or “off-the-record” payments.

Can Child Support Be Changed or Adjusted?

Life happens—jobs change, incomes fluctuate, kids’ needs evolve. If your circumstances change, you can ask to adjust child support.

When can you change support?

• Loss of employment, big raise, or new job
• The child moves in with the other parent
• New special or extraordinary expenses
• The child turns 18 or finishes school

How do you change it?

1. By agreement:
   Both parents sign a new agreement or amendment.
2. Through the court:
   If you can’t agree, file a Motion to Change with the court and explain what’s changed.
3. Online (OCSS):
   Some simple adjustments (based on income) can be made online.

Keep in mind:
You can’t just stop paying or change the amount on your own—get it in writing, and register new agreements with FRO.

What If My Ex Isn’t Paying Child Support?

Unfortunately, missed payments are all too common. Don’t just grit your teeth and hope it’ll get better.

Here’s what you can do:

• Register with the FRO:
  They’ll take over collection, using tools like wage garnishment and license suspension.
• Keep records:
  Document every missed payment.
• Contact a lawyer:
  If the FRO isn’t getting results, legal action may be needed.

Heads up:
You can’t refuse parenting time because of missed child support, and vice versa. The two issues are legally separate.

When Does Child Support End in Ontario?

There’s no magical birthday when child support automatically disappears. In Ontario, support typically continues until a child turns 18—but there are important exceptions.

Support may continue if:

• The child is still in school full-time (usually until first post-secondary degree/diploma)
• The child is dependent due to illness or disability

Support can end earlier if the child:

• Is over 16 and has voluntarily withdrawn from parental control
• Gets married

Best practice:
Don’t stop paying without a court order or written agreement. Get legal advice before making changes.

Conclusion

Child support in Ontario isn’t just a number—it’s a lifeline for your child’s well-being and future. Navigating the rules can feel like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions, but The Child Support FAQ is your toolkit for every twist and turn. Remember: every family’s situation is unique, and the stakes are high. When in doubt, don’t leave your child’s future (or your wallet) to guesswork—consult with a trusted family law firm.

Looking for answers tailored to your circumstances? Reach out to an Ontario family lawyer at Tailor Law for a free consultation and personalized action plan. Your family’s peace of mind is just a conversation away.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For help with your specific situation, contact a qualified Ontario family lawyer.