Do Parents Pay Child Support for a Child in University in Ontario?
A parent can still owe child support for a child in university or college. Under the Family Law Act, a parent must support an unmarried child who is enrolled in a full-time program of education, to the extent the parent is capable of paying. Support does not end automatically when a child turns 18.
For a child at or over the age of majority, the guidelines are applied as if the child were a minor. If the court finds that inappropriate, it may set the amount it considers appropriate, having regard to the child's circumstances and each parent's ability to contribute. Expenses for post-secondary education can be added to the table amount as a special or extraordinary expense.
An order or agreement can set an end date or a terminating event; if it is silent, both parties must agree to end payments, or a judge decides. Under the Divorce Act, a child over the age of majority can still count as a child of the marriage if they remain in the parents' charge and cannot withdraw or obtain the necessaries of life because of illness, disability or other cause. A lawyer can confirm how costs are shared in your case.
Key takeaways
- A parent must support an unmarried child who is enrolled in a full-time program of education, to the extent the parent is capable of paying.
- For a child at or over the age of majority, the amount is set by applying the guidelines as if the child were a minor, unless the court finds that inappropriate.
- Expenses for post-secondary education can be added to the table amount as a special or extraordinary expense.
- Support does not end automatically at 18, and if an order or agreement is silent on an end date, both parties must agree to end payments or a judge decides.