Child Support in Alberta
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Both parents are financially responsible for their children. The Federal Child Support Guidelines set standard amounts based on the paying parent's income and the number of children.
The child support tables are updated periodically by the Department of Justice — always check for the latest version at justice.gc.ca. On top of the table amount, parents share special or extraordinary expenses (section 7) — such as daycare, medical costs, education, and extracurricular activities — in proportion to their incomes.
Child support is considered a right of the child, not of the other parent. It cannot be waived in an agreement. It continues until the child turns 18, or longer if the child is still dependent (for example, attending school full-time or living with a disability).
If the paying parent earns under $16,000 per year, there is no table obligation.
When does it apply?
Child support applies when:
- Parents separate or divorce and have children under 18 (or older if still dependent).
- It applies to both married and common-law parents.
- The paying parent is usually the one with less parenting time.
What to Do If the Other Parent in Canada Refuses to Pay Child Support
- Look up the table amount at justice.gc.ca using your income and number of children.
- Identify section 7 expenses — daycare, medical, education, extracurriculars — and calculate each parent's share.
- Provide full financial disclosure — tax returns, pay stubs, and notices of assessment.
- Formalize the amount in a written agreement or court order.
- Review and update the amount whenever income changes significantly.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't stop paying without a court order — even if you are being denied parenting time. Support and parenting time are separate legal issues.
- Don't hide income — the court can impute (assign) income based on your earning capacity.
- Don't agree to waive child support — any agreement that does so is unenforceable.
- Don't assume support ends at 18 — it continues if the child is still a dependent.
- Don't pay informally without keeping records — you need proof of every payment.
How Alberta differs from federal law
Child support in Alberta is determined under the federal Child Support Guidelines (SOR/97-175), which apply whether parents were married or not. Alberta courts apply these guidelines in both Divorce Act and Family Law Act proceedings.
- Child support is based on the Federal Child Support Guidelines tables, which set the amount according to the paying parent's income and the number of children. The tables are available online at justice.gc.ca.
- In addition to the base table amount, parents may share special or extraordinary expenses (section 7 expenses) in proportion to their incomes. These include childcare, health-related costs not covered by insurance, extracurricular activities, and post-secondary education.
- In shared parenting arrangements (each parent has the child at least 40% of the time), the court may adjust the support amount by considering both parents' table amounts and the increased costs of shared custody.
- Child support generally continues until the child reaches the age of majority (18 in Alberta), but can extend beyond 18 if the child is unable to support themselves due to illness, disability, or full-time education.
- Either parent can apply to vary (change) a child support order if there is a material change in circumstances, such as a significant income change.
Additional Steps in Alberta
To apply for or change a child support order, file at the Alberta Court of King's Bench or Provincial Court (Family Division). The Alberta Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) enforces child support orders — they can garnish wages, suspend driver's licences, and seize assets. Contact MEP at 780-422-5555 (Edmonton) or 1-800-642-3449 (toll-free). The Child Support Recalculation Program can automatically adjust support amounts annually based on updated income without going to court.
Relevant Law: Federal Child Support Guidelines, SOR/97-175; Family Law Act, SA 2003, c. F-4.5, Part 4 (Child Support); Maintenance Enforcement Act, RSA 2000, c. M-1
Common Questions
When does child support apply?
Child support applies when:Parents separate or divorce and have children under 18 (or older if still dependent).It applies to both married and common-law parents.The paying parent is usually the one with less parenting time.
What should I do if my ex-partner in Canada is not paying court-ordered child support?
Look up the table amount at justice.gc.ca using your income and number of children.Identify section 7 expenses — daycare, medical, education, extracurriculars — and calculate each parent's share.Provide full financial disclosure — tax returns, pay stubs, and notices of assessment.Formalize the amount in a written agreement or court order.Review and update the amount whenever income changes significantly.
What mistakes should I avoid with child support?
Don't stop paying without a court order — even if you are being denied parenting time. Support and parenting time are separate legal issues.Don't hide income — the court can impute (assign) income based on your earning capacity.Don't agree to waive child support — any agreement that does so is unenforceable.Don't assume support ends at 18 — it continues if the child is still a dependent.Don't pay informally without keeping records — you need proof of every payment.
Child Support in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.