Child Support in Ontario

Child Support in Ontario: What Parents Need to Know

Mississauga Child Support Lawyer

In Ontario, child support is a legal right of the child, not the parent. Its purpose is to ensure children continue to benefit from both parents’ financial support after separation or divorce. Child support is calculated using the Federal or Ontario Child Support Guidelines. The process for calculating and updating support is structured and formal, with a heavy emphasis on full financial disclosure by both parents.

At Curyk Law, we represent parents in Mississauga, Brampton, and the GTA to ensure child support is fair, accurate, and compliant with the latest regulations. Monika Curyk and her team specialize in navigating complex income disclosures and the latest 2025/2026 legislative updates.

1. How is Child Support Calculated in 2026?

Child support in Ontario is primarily determined by the Federal or Ontario Child Support Guidelines.

Important 2025/2026 Update: New Federal Child Support Tables took effect on October 1, 2025. These tables were updated to reflect 2023 tax rules and the modern cost of raising children.

For New Orders: All child support orders made after October 1, 2025, must use these updated tables.
For Existing Orders: If your current support order was made using the old 2017 tables, you may be eligible for a variation (change) if the new table amount is significantly different. This is often considered a "material change in circumstances."

The Calculation Formula

The "Table amount" is based on:

The gross annual income of the paying parent. For the parents who are employees and receive T4s from their employers, this is usually found on Line 15000 of your T1 Income Tax Return. For self-employed parents, income determination is far more complex.
The number of children entitled to support.
The province where the paying parent lives.

2. Shared Parenting and the "40% Rule"

In many Mississauga families, children spend significant time in both households. “Shared parenting” is a scenario when a child spends at least 40% of their time with each parent over the year.

In “shared parenting” cases, support is not a simple calculation. The court looks at:

A set-off amount (the difference between what each parent would pay the other).
The increased costs of running two full households.
The standard of living the child enjoys in each home.

3. Special and Extraordinary Expenses (Section 7)

Basic table support covers food, shelter, and clothing. However, "section 7" expenses are additional costs shared by parents in proportion to their incomes. These must be reasonable and necessary and typically include:

Childcare: Costs incurred due to a parent's work or education
Medical/Dental: Uninsured portions of health or dental premiums or treatments.
Education: Post-secondary tuition or specialized school needs.
Extracurricular activities: for example, sports activities, hobbies, and language classes.

Which Law Applies to Child Support?

Married parents seeking a divorce: Child support is governed by the Divorce Act.
Unmarried parents or married parents not divorcing: Child support is typically addressed under Ontario’s Family Law Act.

Determining Income for Child Support

For most parents, income is based on Line 15000 of the most recent income tax return. However, determining income can be more complex where a parent is self-employed or earns income through a corporation.

Ontario courts may:

look beyond a parent’s declared salary,
include corporate or business income where appropriate,
impute income if a parent is intentionally under-employed or hiding income, and
average income over several years when earnings fluctuate.

An experienced Mississauga child support lawyer can help address income disputes and ensure the correct income is used.

Updating and Enforcing Child Support in Ontario

Ontario offers a Child Support Recalculation Service, which allows eligible parents to update child support amounts when income changes—often without returning to court.

Most child support orders and agreements are enforced by the Family Responsibility Office (FRO). FRO has the authority to:

garnish wages and bank accounts,
suspend driver’s licences, passports and government-issued licenses,
intercept tax refunds and certain government payments if support is not paid.

Speak With a Child Support Lawyer in Mississauga

Child support matters can become complex, especially when income is disputed (especially self-employment), parenting time is shared, or "extraordinary" expenses are involved. At Curyk Law, we help you gather the "up-front evidence" now required by Ontario courts to reach a fast and fair resolution.

Contact Monika Curyk and her team today:

Address: 3034 Palstan Road, Mississauga, ON
Phone: 289.232.6166

Service Areas: Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Milton and the GTA

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