Can a stepparent be ordered to pay child support in Ontario?

Yes, under Ontario's Family Law Act and the federal Divorce Act, a stepparent can be ordered to pay child support if they stood in the place of a parent (in loco parentis) to the child during the relationship. This is not automatic — a court must be satisfied that the stepparent actually took on a parental role, not merely that they lived with the child.

Courts look at the length and nature of the relationship, whether the stepparent financially supported the child, whether the child regarded the stepparent as a parent figure, and how involved the stepparent was in day-to-day care and decision-making. If the biological parent is available and paying support, that is also considered — a stepparent's obligation is secondary and the biological parent's obligation comes first.

Stepparent support obligations under the Family Law Act are also subject to court discretion regarding the amount; the court considers the Guidelines tables as a starting point but can depart from them given the existence of a biological parent's obligation. Stepparents should be aware that forming a close parental bond, providing significant financial support, or adopting the child's school and healthcare roles can create legal obligations that persist after a separation. If you are in this situation, get legal advice early.