One of the first questions parents ask after separation is, “How much child support will I have to pay?” If you have one child, you may expect a simple answer. In reality, child support in Ontario is based on several factors, with the paying parent’s income being one of the most important.
While the Federal Child Support Guidelines provide a standard table amount for most cases, the final amount may vary depending on parenting arrangements, special expenses, and each family’s circumstances.
Whether you are paying or receiving child support, understanding how the law works can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary disputes. As of October 1, 2025, updated Federal Child Support Tables apply across Ontario. If you are calculating child support today, the current 2025 tables—not the previous 2017 tables—should generally be used.
How Is Child Support Calculated in Ontario?
In Ontario, child support is generally determined using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which apply to married parents seeking a divorce under the Divorce Act and are also incorporated into Ontario family law for many other situations.
For most families, the starting point is straightforward. The monthly support amount is based on:
- The paying parent’s annual gross income
- The province or territory where the paying parent lives
- The number of children eligible for support
The federal government publishes Federal Child Support Tables, which were updated effective October 1, 2025 to reflect more recent tax rules. These updated tables apply to child support amounts payable from that date onward.
The table amount is intended to cover ordinary living expenses such as:
- Food
- Clothing
- Housing
- Transportation
- Everyday recreational activities
In many cases, this table amount is only the beginning of the analysis.
What Is the Child Support Table Amount for One Child?
There is no single child support amount for one child in Ontario.
Instead, payments increase as the paying parent’s income increases. Rather than relying on online estimates or outdated charts, parents should review the current government tables or obtain legal advice if the calculation is disputed.
Which Income Is Used?
Many people assume child support is calculated using take-home pay. In fact, the Guidelines generally use annual gross income, which is commonly determined from Line 15000 of a parent’s income tax return, subject to adjustments where appropriate.
Depending on the circumstances, income may include:
- Employment income
- Self-employment income
- Bonuses
- Commissions
- Rental income
- Investment income
- Certain taxable benefits
However, not every case is straightforward.
For example, if a parent owns a business, is self-employed, receives irregular income, or has significant deductions, determining the proper income for child support may require a more detailed legal and financial analysis.
Are Parents Required to Exchange Financial Information?
Yes. Financial disclosure is one of the cornerstones of Ontario family law. Parents are generally expected to provide accurate and up-to-date financial information when child support is being established or reviewed.
This may include:
- Income tax returns
- Notices of Assessment
- Recent pay statements
- Business financial records (where applicable)
Incomplete or inaccurate financial disclosure can delay negotiations and, in some situations, lead to court orders requiring additional disclosure.
Can Child Support Be Different from the Table Amount?
Yes.
Although the table amount is the starting point, Ontario courts may consider additional factors in certain circumstances.
Special or Extraordinary Expenses
Some expenses are not included in the basic table amount.
These may include:
- Childcare required for employment or education
- Medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance
- Post-secondary education costs
- Certain extracurricular activities
- Extraordinary educational expenses
These are commonly referred to as Section 7 expenses, named after section 7 of the Federal Child Support Guidelines.
Parents often share these expenses proportionate to their respective incomes after considering available tax deductions and benefits.
Shared Parenting Arrangements
Where a child spends at least 40% of the time with each parent, child support may not simply equal the standard table amount.
Instead, courts may consider:
- The table amount each parent would owe
- The increased costs associated with shared parenting
- The financial circumstances of each household
Every shared parenting case is unique, and the appropriate support arrangement depends on the evidence.
Undue Hardship
In limited situations, a parent may argue that paying or receiving the standard table amount would cause undue hardship.
Examples might include unusually high debts arising from the relationship or legal obligations to support other dependants.
However, undue hardship claims are relatively uncommon and require specific legal analysis.
What Happens If Income Changes?
Child support is not necessarily permanent. If a parent’s income changes significantly, the support amount may also need to change.
Examples include:
- Losing a job
- Receiving a substantial salary increase
- Retirement
- Disability
- Starting or closing a business
Parents should not simply stop paying or reduce payments without first obtaining legal advice or reaching an appropriate agreement. Depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to negotiate a revised arrangement or ask the court to vary an existing child support order.
What If a Parent Does Not Pay Child Support?
Failing to pay child support can have serious legal consequences.
In Ontario, many child support orders and agreements are filed with the Family Responsibility Office (FRO), which is responsible for enforcing support obligations. The FRO has various enforcement tools available, including:
- Wage garnishment
- Suspending driver’s licences in certain cases
- Reporting support arrears
- Taking additional enforcement measures authorized by law
Parents experiencing genuine financial difficulty should seek legal advice rather than simply discontinuing payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is child support taxable in Canada?
Generally, child support payments made under current legislation are not taxable to the recipient and are not tax-deductible for the paying parent.
Can parents agree to pay a different amount?
They may reach an agreement, but the amount should comply with applicable legal requirements and reflect the child’s best interests. Independent legal advice is often recommended before signing a separation agreement.
What if the paying parent is self-employed?
Self-employment income often requires additional analysis because business deductions and retained earnings may affect the appropriate income for child support purposes.
Can child support be reviewed every year?
Many parents exchange updated financial information annually so that support payments reflect current income, particularly where income fluctuates.
Do the 2025 Child Support Tables Apply to Existing Court Orders?
Not automatically. If your child support order or agreement was made before October 1, 2025, the updated Federal Child Support Tables do not automatically change the amount you pay or receive. However, if the updated table amount results in a meaningful difference, it may constitute a change in circumstances, allowing either parent to seek a variation of the existing child support order, depending on the facts of the case.
Why Legal Advice Can Be Valuable
Although the Federal Child Support Guidelines provide a framework, every family’s situation is different.
Questions frequently arise about:
- Determining income
- Shared parenting arrangements
- Section 7 expenses
- Changing child support
- Enforcing unpaid support
- Negotiating separation agreements
Receiving legal advice early can help parents understand their rights and reduce the risk of future disputes.
Speak With TCZ Family Law
Whether you are paying child support, receiving it, or seeking to change an existing support arrangement, understanding Ontario’s child support rules is essential.
At TCZ Family Law, we help parents across Toronto navigate child support issues with practical, personalized legal guidance. From calculating support under the 2025 Federal Child Support Guidelines to negotiating fair agreements and representing clients in family court, our team is committed to helping you make informed decisions that protect your family’s future.
Contact TCZ Family Law to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your child support matter with an experienced Toronto family lawyer.