The parent with whom the child lives is entitled to receive child support from the other parent, on behalf of the child. In Ontario, the amount paid by the non-custodial parent is governed by the Child Support Guidelines (They are called “guidelines” but they
are law).

The amount paid depends only on two factors:

1. the gross annual income (as listed on line 150 of his/her last income tax return) of the non-custodial parent and;
2. the number of children he/she has with the other parent.

The CSG tables can be found at http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fl-df/child-enfant/look-rech.asp

For example, a non-custodial parent, earning $50K/yr will pay a monthly amount of $461.00 for one child, $755.00 for two children and $977.00 for three children. If the non-custodial parent is self-employed, the court may disallow business deductions taken even if these are allowed by Canada Revenue Agency.

If the amount on the ITR is different than the actual current income (for example because the payor is now receiving E.I.), the court may choose to use his current income to establish the amount payable.

The court may also make adjustments to the income amount if the income tax return included pay for bonuses and/or overtime that is no longer received. The Guideline amount includes expenses for food, shelter and clothing.

In addition, to the amount, the payor may be required to pay the children’s “extra expenses”.

Section 7 of the Guidelines sets out which items may be “extras”. They include childcare, healthcare and post secondary expenses They also include “extraordinary expenses for extracurricular activities”, such as sports, arts or other programs. These expenses are to be shared proportionate to income.

For example, if the paying parent earns $40K/yr and the other parent earns $20K/yr, then the payor must pay $40 divided by ($40 + $20) or two thirds of the expenses after deduction for tax benefits to the recipient and reimbursement, if any, by third parties, such as an employee’s health plan.