What happens to child support if the payor gets a raise or promotion?

When a payor's income increases, the child support obligation typically increases as well, because the Guidelines table amount is tied directly to income. Under the Guidelines, both parents are required to exchange updated income information every year — typically by sharing their most recent Notice of Assessment and income tax return. This annual disclosure requirement is meant to keep support current without requiring a court application each year.

If both parents cooperate, they can update support by written agreement whenever income changes. If the payor's income has risen substantially and they have not voluntarily increased payments, the recipient can bring a motion to vary the existing order. Courts will look at the payor's current income, calculate the new table amount, and may also award retroactive support to the date the income increased if the payor concealed the change or failed to disclose it.

Payors who receive bonuses or have variable income should be aware that the Guidelines may treat bonuses as part of annual income, which can affect the support calculation. If your income varies significantly year to year, a formal arrangement that addresses fluctuations can avoid repeated court appearances. A lawyer can help you structure an agreement that accounts for variable income and keeps both parties on the same page.