Child and Spousal Support in Ontario: The Basics

---

Support is one of the first things people worry about when a relationship ends — and one of the areas with the most myths. Child support and spousal support are two different things, governed by different rules. Knowing how each works helps you set realistic expectations from the start.

Child support follows a formula

Child support is treated as the right of the child, and it's calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines and their accompanying tables. The base amount depends primarily on two things: the paying parent's income and the number of children. Because it's guideline-based, there's far less guesswork than people may expect.

On top of the table amount, parents may share certain special or extraordinary expenses — often called Section 7 expenses — such as childcare, medical costs, or extracurricular activities. These are typically divided in proportion to each parent's income.

---

Spousal support is not automatic

Spousal support works very differently. It isn't owed in every case. A spouse must first establish entitlement on at least one of three bases:

• Compensatory — to address financial hardship or lost opportunities resulting from the marriage or its breakdown, such as leaving work to raise children.

• Contractual — where the parties agreed to support, for example in a marriage contract or separation agreement.

• Non-compensatory (needs-based) — where one spouse shows financial need and the other has the ability to pay.
  

Where support is owed, the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines are commonly used to estimate a range for the amount and duration. Importantly, these guidelines are advisory — influential and frequently referenced by courts, but not binding law.

A quick myth-buster: the term “alimony” isn't used in Canada. Courts award “spousal support.”

---

Disclosure underpins it all

Both forms of support rely on full and transparent financial disclosure from both parties — income, assets, debts, and expenses. This is what allows entitlement, amount, and duration to be assessed fairly. As with property, organized disclosure is the foundation everything else rests on.

Support questions can feel deeply personal, because they are. Approaching them with the basics in hand helps you focus your energy where it counts.

---

Where LAWra fits in

Our fixed-fee consultation is designed to give you clarity on your options and next steps, so you always know what to expect and can plan accordingly. Book a consultation when you're ready.

Prefer to talk it through first? Call us at 1-866-LAWRA-FL (1-866-529-7235) to speak with a member of our team about our services. We're here.

---

This article provides general legal information about family law in Ontario and is not legal advice. Every situation is unique. For guidance tailored to your circumstances, speak with a licensed lawyer. LAWra Family Law provides limited-scope, out-of-court services and does not replace full representation where it is needed.