What are section 7 special or extraordinary expenses for child support in Nova Scotia?
This answer covers the law of Nova Scotia.
Section 7 expenses are extra costs a court can add on top of the basic table amount of child support, but only when a parent asks. For a child under the age of majority, support is the table amount for the payor's province plus any section 7 amount.
The categories are child care, the child's share of medical and dental insurance premiums, health-related costs above insurance of $100 or more a year, extraordinary primary or secondary school costs, post-secondary education, and extraordinary extracurricular activities.
Parents share these expenses in proportion to their incomes, after deducting any contribution from the child, and the court must take into account any subsidies, benefits, or tax deductions or credits relating to the expense. For a child who has reached the age of majority, the court may apply the Guidelines as if the child were a minor or, if that is inappropriate, set an amount based on the child's condition, means and needs and each parent's ability to contribute. Whether a particular cost counts, especially one described as extraordinary, depends on the facts and a lawyer can confirm.
Key takeaways
- Section 7 amounts are added to the table amount of child support when a parent asks the court for them.
- Covered categories include child care, medical and dental insurance premiums, health costs above insurance of $100 or more a year, extraordinary school costs, post-secondary education and extraordinary extracurricular activities.
- Parents share these expenses in proportion to their incomes, after deducting any contribution from the child.
- The court must take into account subsidies, benefits, and tax deductions or credits relating to the expense.