How is child support calculated in Ontario?
Child support in Ontario is calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which apply to divorcing spouses under the Divorce Act, and the Ontario Child Support Guidelines, which apply to separating common-law or non-married parents. The rules are nearly identical. The amount a payor parent owes depends primarily on their gross annual income and the number of children they are supporting.
The Guidelines include tables — one for each province — that set a base monthly support amount based on income and number of children. For example, a payor earning $80,000 with two children in Ontario would refer to the Ontario table to find the base amount. If children have special expenses (such as childcare, medical costs, or extracurricular activities), those are shared between parents in proportion to their respective incomes on top of the base amount.
The formula is designed to be predictable and consistent so that children receive similar support regardless of which parent is making the claim. A lawyer can help you run the calculation using current income figures and identify any special expenses that qualify.
Key takeaways
- Support is set by the Federal or Ontario Child Support Guidelines, not judge discretion alone.
- The payor's gross annual income and number of children drive the base monthly amount.
- Special or extraordinary expenses are shared proportionately on top of the base.
- Courts can deviate from table amounts only in limited, defined circumstances.