CHILD SUPPORT AND SECTION 7 OR EXTRAORDINARY EXPENSES

At Taerk Family Law, we understand the importance of ensuring that children’s needs are met following a separation or divorce. Child support can be straightforward for some families but more complex for others, particularly when dealing with self-employed payors or special expenses. Our team provides expert guidance to help parents navigate the Ontario Child Support Guidelines and ensure that child support agreements are fair, informed, and aligned with the law.

How Is Child Support Calculated?

Child support in Ontario is calculated using the Ontario Child Support Guidelines. For T4 employees, this calculation is relatively straightforward, but for self-employed individuals or those with unique financial circumstances, determining child support can be more complex. To help parents estimate their base child support obligations, the Ontario Child Support Table Look-Up provides guidance based on gross income and the number of children.

However, the base child support amount is often not the final figure. In many cases, additional costs—referred to as Section 7 or extraordinary expenses—may need to be shared by both parents. These expenses can include child-care, tutoring, orthodontics, extracurricular activities, and post-secondary education. The proportion of these expenses each parent is responsible for is determined by their respective incomes and is added to the base child support amount.

To better understand how these guidelines and calculations apply to your unique situation, we encourage you to contact us for a free initial family law consultation.

Resources for Child Support Calculations

For a helpful tool to calculate child support amounts, the Ontario Child Support Guidelines Calculator can offer additional clarity as you explore your child support obligations and entitlements.

We’re Here for You

At Taerk Family Law, we offer experienced legal guidance and a supportive, professional environment. We represent and advise clients on all areas of family law, including issues related to divorce, custody and access, spousal and child support, mobility matters, division of property, separation agreements, domestic contracts, religious marriage contracts, adoption, and cross-border family law issues. We pride ourselves on being directly accessible by phone or email, keeping everyone informed in a timely manner every step of the way. For added convenience, we also offer flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments when needed. Learn more about our approach on our About Us page.

To discuss the issues of child support in Toronto or Ontario in a confidential free consultation, please contact us directly.