Child Support in Ontario: Essential Facts for 2026

As family lawyers in the Greater Toronto Area, we know that child support is often the most critical financial concern for separating parents. Whether you are in Toronto, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, or Vaughan, the goal remains the same: ensuring your children have the financial resources they need to thrive.

In Ontario, child support is a legal right of the child. It is not a “payment to the other parent,” but rather a contribution toward the child’s standard of living.

1. The 2025/2026 Table Updates

It is important to note that the Federal Child Support Tables were significantly updated on October 1, 2025. This was the first major adjustment in eight years, reflecting the current cost of living and tax rules.

• Existing Orders: If your support order was made before October 2025, it does not update automatically. You may be entitled to a “recalculation” based on the new 2025/2026 table amounts.
• The Basic Calculation: For most salaried employees, the “Table Amount” is determined by the payor’s gross annual income (Line 15000) and the number of children.

2. “Section 7” Special and Extraordinary Expenses

The monthly table amount covers basic needs like food and shelter. However, Ontario law recognizes that raising a child involves additional costs, known as Section 7 expenses. These are typically shared between parents proportionately to their incomes.

Common Section 7 expenses in the GTA include:

• Childcare: Daycare or after-school care costs.
• Medical/Dental: Braces, therapy, or prescriptions not covered by insurance.
• Education: Private school tuition or specialized tutoring.
• Extracurriculars: Competitive sports (like rep hockey or elite dance) or high-level music lessons.

3. Complex Income Scenarios

Not every case is as simple as looking at a T4 slip. We have extensive experience  in difficult cases where income is harder to define:

• Self-Employed Parents: Courts look at “available” income, not just what is reported for tax purposes. We often “add back” personal expenses charged to a business.
• High Earners: If a parent earns over $150,000, the court has discretion to move beyond the standard tables to ensure the amount is appropriate for the family’s lifestyle.
• Shared Parenting (40% Rule): If each parent has the children at least 40% of the time, the “set-off” method is often used, but it is not an automatic 50% reduction in support.

4. Enforcement and the FRO

Once an order or agreement is in place, it is usually filed with the Family Responsibility Office (FRO). The FRO has significant powers to enforce payments, including the ability to garnish wages or suspend driver’s licenses.

Legal Warning: You cannot withhold parenting time (access) because child support is not being paid. Likewise, you cannot stop paying support because you are being denied time with your children. These are two legally distinct issues.

Secure Your Child’s Financial Future

The rules surrounding child support are strict, but the application of those rules—especially regarding Section 7 expenses and self-employed income—requires a nuanced legal strategy.

Whether you are seeking support or are concerned about an unfair calculation, our firm provides the experienced, local representation you need to move forward with confidence.

Don’t leave your financial future to a basic online calculator. Book a comprehensive strategy session today to ensure your support arrangement is accurate, fair, and legally sound.

Call Our GTA Office: (647) 352-2245 or

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