When Does Child Support End in Ontario?

The Age of Majority Is Not the End Date

While the age of majority in Ontario is 18, child support under both the Divorce Act and Ontario’s Family Law Act can extend beyond this age. The key question is whether the child remains a “child” within the meaning of the applicable legislation.

When Child Support Continues After Age 18

Child support may continue beyond age 18 in a number of circumstances, including when the child is enrolled in full-time post-secondary education, when the child has a disability or illness that prevents them from becoming financially independent, or when the child is dependent on the parents for reasons other than their own choice (such as a recognized medical condition).

Child Support and Post-Secondary Education

The question of support for a child attending post-secondary education is one of the most common issues in Ontario family law. Courts generally expect both parents to contribute to the costs of a child’s post-secondary education in proportion to their incomes, alongside any contributions expected from the student themselves. The calculation for support during post-secondary education can differ from the straightforward Guidelines table amount.

What Costs Are Included?

Post-secondary support can include tuition, textbooks, residence fees, meal plans, and other reasonable educational expenses. Courts consider the child’s academic record, the nature of the program, and whether the child is making reasonable efforts toward completion of their studies.

When Child Support Typically Ends

• The child becomes financially self-sufficient and no longer depends on parents.
• The child completes full-time post-secondary studies.
• The child marries or enters into a common law relationship.
• The child is no longer in the care of the recipient parent (e.g., has moved out independently).
• The child reaches an age and stage where they are not in any of the above dependent situations.

How Is Child Support Terminated?

Child support does not automatically stop when a child reaches a certain age or graduates from school. To officially end the obligation, the parties should either agree to terminate support in a written agreement or apply to the court to vary or terminate the existing child support order. If payments continue without an official termination, arrears can accumulate even if both parties informally agreed to stop.

What About Children With Disabilities?

For a child who has a disability, chronic illness, or other condition that prevents them from achieving financial independence, child support may continue indefinitely. Courts assess each case based on the child’s specific needs and circumstances, and the extent to which each parent is able to contribute.

Retroactive Child Support

If the paying parent failed to disclose an increase in income, a court may order retroactive child support — meaning the payor owes back payments for a period before the claim was made. Courts in Ontario follow guidelines established by the Supreme Court of Canada in assessing retroactive support claims.