Answer Capsule
Yukon child support is calculated using the 2025 Federal Child Support Tables, effective October 1, 2025. A parent earning $27,000 annually pays $183 per month for one child under these tables. The child support calculator Yukon tool applies the Federal Child Support Guidelines (Federal Child Support Guidelines, s. 2) to determine base amounts, with additional sharing of section 7 extraordinary expenses proportional to each parent's income.
Key Facts: Yukon Child Support at a Glance
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Governing Law (Married) | Divorce Act, s. 15.1 (R.S.C. 1985, c. 3, 2nd Supp.) |
| Governing Law (Common-Law) | Family Property and Support Act (RSY 2002, c 83) |
| Guidelines Regulation | Federal Child Support Guidelines (SOR/97-175) |
| Territorial Regulation | Yukon Child Support Guidelines (YOIC 2000/63) |
| Current Tables | 2025 Federal Child Support Tables (effective October 1, 2025) |
| Age of Majority | 19 years |
| Extended Support | Beyond 19 for disability or post-secondary education |
| Shared Parenting Threshold | 40%+ parenting time each parent (Federal Child Support Guidelines, s. 9) |
| High-Income Threshold | $150,000 (Federal Child Support Guidelines, s. 10) |
| Filing Fee | ~$180 for divorce petition (as of March 2026; verify with your local clerk) |
| Residency Requirement | 1 year ordinarily resident in Yukon |
| Enforcement Agency | Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) |
| Priority Rule | Child support takes priority over spousal support (Divorce Act, s. 15.3) |
How the Child Support Calculator Yukon Determines Monthly Amounts
The Federal Child Support Tables set a fixed monthly amount based on the paying parent's gross annual income and the number of children. At $21,500 annual income, Yukon tables prescribe $125 per month for one child; at $27,000, the amount rises to $183 per month. These figures come directly from the 2025 Federal Child Support Tables that took effect on October 1, 2025, under Federal Child Support Guidelines, s. 3.
The child support calculator Yukon process follows a straightforward sequence. First, you determine the paying parent's gross annual income from all sources, including employment, self-employment, rental income, and investment returns. Second, you consult the applicable table for the Yukon territory and the number of children. Third, you identify the base table amount. Fourth, you calculate any section 7 extraordinary expense contributions.
Income determination follows the rules in Federal Child Support Guidelines, s. 16 through s. 20. The court may impute income where a parent is intentionally underemployed or unemployed, has diverted income, or has failed to provide financial disclosure. Tax returns from the three most recent years form the starting point for income determination, with adjustments for non-recurring items, capital gains, and partnership draws.
The table look-up process is mechanical once gross income is established. The Department of Justice Canada publishes the tables online at justice.gc.ca, and the amounts increase incrementally with income. For incomes between the listed figures, the guidelines provide an interpolation formula to calculate the precise monthly obligation.
Section 7 Extraordinary Expenses: Beyond the Base Table Amount
Section 7 expenses are shared between parents in proportion to their respective incomes, after accounting for any tax benefits or subsidies. These expenses include childcare costs necessary for the primary parent's employment or education, medical and dental insurance premiums, health-related expenses exceeding $100 per year, extraordinary educational expenses, and extraordinary extracurricular activity costs (Federal Child Support Guidelines, s. 7).
The word "extraordinary" carries specific legal meaning under the guidelines. An extracurricular activity qualifies as extraordinary when the expense is disproportionate to the paying parent's income, when the nature and number of activities are unusual relative to the family's means, or when the total cost of all activities combined exceeds what is reasonable. A hockey program costing $4,000 per season might be ordinary for a family with $150,000 combined income but extraordinary for a family earning $60,000.
To calculate each parent's share of section 7 expenses, divide each parent's gross income by the combined gross income. If Parent A earns $65,000 and Parent B earns $35,000, Parent A pays 65% and Parent B pays 35% of net extraordinary expenses. Net means the cost after subtracting any tax deductions, credits, or subsidies either parent receives for that expense.
Medical expenses require particular attention. The $100-per-year threshold under section 7(1)(b) applies per child, not per family. Orthodontic treatment, prescription medications not covered by insurance, physiotherapy, and psychological counselling all qualify once the annual per-child threshold is crossed. Parents should maintain detailed receipts and submit annual accountings to avoid disputes.
Shared Parenting Time: The 40% Threshold Rule
When each parent exercises at least 40% of parenting time over the course of a year, the court applies Federal Child Support Guidelines, s. 9 rather than the straight table amount. The 40% threshold translates to approximately 146 nights per year. Under section 9, the court considers the table amounts for each parent, the increased costs of shared parenting, and the conditions, means, needs, and circumstances of each parent and child.
Shared parenting does not automatically reduce child support to zero or to a simple set-off of table amounts. The 2021 amendments to the Divorce Act (Bill C-78, effective March 1, 2021) reinforced that the child's standard of living in both households is the primary consideration. Courts routinely order the higher-income parent to pay a reduced but still significant amount to prevent the child from experiencing a dramatically different lifestyle between homes.
The calculation under section 9 typically follows what practitioners call the "set-off" approach: calculate each parent's table amount, subtract the lower from the higher, and then adjust for the actual distribution of expenses. However, this is a starting point, not a formula. The court retains discretion to depart from the set-off amount where the circumstances warrant it, particularly where the parents' incomes are significantly disparate.
Tracking parenting time accurately matters for the 40% calculation. A calendar year contains 365 days, and 40% equals 146 days. Courts count overnight stays as the primary metric, though daytime-equivalent care during the day can also count in certain circumstances. Parents should maintain contemporaneous records rather than relying on memory when the split is near the 40% boundary.
High-Income Earners: Support Above $150,000
For paying parents earning more than $150,000 annually, Federal Child Support Guidelines, s. 10 applies. The table amount for the first $150,000 of income is mandatory. For income exceeding $150,000, the court may order the table amount for the excess (calculated by extending the table formula) or a lesser amount that it considers appropriate given the child's actual needs and standard of living.
In practice, Yukon courts generally apply the full table amount through the entire income range unless the paying parent demonstrates that doing so would result in an amount far exceeding the child's reasonable needs. A parent earning $250,000 would owe the table amount on the first $150,000 plus the percentage prescribed in the guidelines applied to the remaining $100,000, unless the court exercises its discretion.
The child support calculator Yukon tool handles high-income scenarios by computing the table amount through $150,000 and then applying the marginal rate formula to excess income. This gives a presumptive amount that the court will order absent compelling evidence of unreasonableness. Documentary evidence of the child's actual expenses, standard of living during the relationship, and reasonable needs strengthens either parent's position.
Section 10 also permits the court to consider the conditions, means, needs, and other circumstances of each parent and child. This means a parent with significant debt obligations, support obligations to other children, or unusual expenses may seek a reduced order on the excess income portion. Conversely, a child with special needs or established lifestyle expectations may justify the full table extension.
Undue Hardship Claims Under the Guidelines
Either parent may claim undue hardship under Federal Child Support Guidelines, s. 10 to increase or decrease the table amount. Recognized hardship circumstances include unusually high debts reasonably incurred to support the family before separation, unusually high costs of exercising parenting time, legal obligations to support another person, and legal obligations to support a child from another relationship.
The undue hardship test has two stages. First, the claiming parent must establish that the table amount causes hardship that is "undue" — meaning beyond what is ordinarily expected in a support situation. Second, the court compares the household standards of living using the comparison of household standards of living test prescribed in Federal Child Support Guidelines, Schedule II. Only if the claiming parent's household standard of living is lower than the other parent's household will the court consider adjusting support.
Undue hardship claims succeed infrequently because the threshold is deliberately high. Travel costs for a parent in Whitehorse exercising parenting time with a child who has relocated to Vancouver could qualify given Yukon's geographic isolation and the cost of northern travel. Similarly, a parent supporting three children from a prior relationship while paying table support for two children from the current relationship may establish that the combined obligations create genuine hardship.
When a court grants an undue hardship reduction, it typically specifies the duration and conditions. The order might reduce support by a fixed amount for 24 months, subject to review, or until the hardship circumstance resolves. Courts are reluctant to grant open-ended hardship reductions because circumstances change.
Filing for Child Support in Yukon Supreme Court
Married parents file for child support through the Yukon Supreme Court under the Divorce Act, s. 15.1, typically as part of a divorce proceeding. The filing fee is approximately $180 for a divorce petition (as of March 2026; verify with your local clerk). The petitioning spouse must have been ordinarily resident in Yukon for at least one year before filing.
Common-law parents and parents seeking variation of existing orders proceed under the Family Property and Support Act (RSY 2002, c 83). The Yukon Child Support Guidelines (YOIC 2000/63) supplement the federal framework for territorial proceedings. Both pathways use the same Federal Child Support Tables to calculate child support, so the amounts are identical regardless of whether the parents were married or in a common-law relationship.
Grounds for divorce under Divorce Act, s. 8 include one year of separation (no fault), adultery, or physical or mental cruelty. The vast majority of Yukon divorces proceed on one-year separation grounds. Child support can be ordered on an interim basis at any point after filing, without waiting for the divorce to be finalized.
The Family Law Information Centre at 301 Jarvis Street, 2nd Floor, Whitehorse (phone: 867-456-6721) provides guidance on court procedures, required forms, and self-representation resources. This is the recommended first contact point for parents who are beginning the process and need orientation before consulting a lawyer.
Enforcement Through the Maintenance Enforcement Program
Yukon's Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) is responsible for collecting and enforcing child support orders. Located at 301 Jarvis Street, 2nd Floor, Whitehorse, MEP can be reached at 867-667-5437 or toll-free at 1-877-617-5347. Both the receiving and paying parent must register with MEP once a court order or written agreement is filed.
MEP enforcement tools include wage garnishment, federal interception of tax refunds and Employment Insurance benefits, suspension of federal licenses (passports), suspension of territorial licenses (driver's license), registration of liens against real property, and default hearings that can result in fines or imprisonment for willful non-compliance. The income exempt from garnishment is $16,000 per year, meaning MEP cannot garnish below this threshold.
Enrollment with MEP is automatic for all court-ordered support in Yukon unless both parties opt out in writing. This means that even if parents have an amicable relationship and prefer direct payments, the order is registered with MEP as a backstop. Parents who choose to opt out should understand that re-enrollment is available at any time if direct payments become unreliable.
MEP tracks arrears with interest. A parent who falls behind on payments will see the outstanding balance accumulate, and MEP has no discretion to forgive arrears — only the court can reduce or cancel accumulated arrears. Parents experiencing genuine financial hardship should apply to the court for a variation of the support order rather than simply stopping payments and allowing arrears to build.
The 2021 Divorce Act Amendments and Their Impact
Bill C-78 introduced sweeping changes to the Divorce Act effective March 1, 2021. The amendments replaced the terminology of "custody" and "access" with "parenting orders," "parenting time," and "decision-making responsibility." This change reflects a child-centered approach that focuses on the child's relationship with both parents rather than treating one parent as the winner and the other as the visitor.
The amendments also introduced a specific framework for relocation. A parent with the majority of parenting time who wishes to relocate must provide 60 days' written notice to the other parent. If the other parent objects, the relocating parent bears the burden of proof that the move is in the child's best interests. This is significant for Yukon families because economic opportunities may require relocation to larger urban centres in British Columbia or Alberta.
Family violence is now an explicit factor in the best interests of the child analysis under Divorce Act, s. 16. Courts must consider any family violence and its impact on the child and on the ability and willingness of the person who engaged in the violence to care for the child. The definition of family violence is broad and includes physical, sexual, psychological, and financial abuse, as well as threats and patterns of coercive and controlling behaviour.
For child support specifically, the 2021 amendments reinforced the priority of child support over spousal support under Divorce Act, s. 15.3. Where a parent cannot meet both obligations fully, the child support obligation is satisfied first, and spousal support is adjusted downward. The child support calculator Yukon computation should therefore always be completed before any spousal support analysis.
When Child Support Continues Beyond Age 19
Although Yukon's age of majority is 19, child support does not automatically end at that age. Under Divorce Act, s. 15.1(1), a "child of the marriage" includes any child who is over the age of majority but unable to withdraw from the charge of the parents by reason of illness, disability, or other cause. Pursuit of post-secondary education is the most common "other cause" that extends support obligations.
Courts across Canada have consistently held that a child attending university or college full-time remains a "child of the marriage" entitled to support. The amount may differ from the table amount, however, because an adult child attending university typically has some independent income from summer employment, scholarships, or student loans. Courts often reduce the table amount by a contribution the child is expected to make toward their own expenses.
For children with disabilities, support may continue indefinitely. The obligation persists as long as the child remains unable to become self-supporting. Parents should seek a specific court order addressing the duration and terms of extended support rather than assuming the original order continues automatically. A variation application under Divorce Act, s. 17 allows either parent to request changes as the child's circumstances evolve.
The child support calculator Yukon tool applies the standard table amounts for children under 19. For adult children, the calculation requires additional inputs regarding the child's own income, educational costs, and living arrangements that go beyond the mechanical table look-up. Parents in this situation should consult with a family lawyer to ensure the calculation accounts for all relevant factors.
Step-by-Step: Using the Child Support Calculator Yukon Tool
To calculate child support using our estimator, follow these steps in order:
- Determine the paying parent's gross annual income from all sources (line 15000 of the most recent tax return is the starting point)
- Apply any adjustments required by Federal Child Support Guidelines, s. 16-20, including adding back non-taxable income, self-employment adjustments, and corporate income attribution
- Enter the number of children for whom support is being calculated
- Select the Yukon territory table from the Federal Child Support Tables
- Identify the base monthly table amount
- Calculate each parent's proportional share of section 7 extraordinary expenses by dividing each income by the combined total
- Add the paying parent's share of net section 7 expenses to the base table amount
- If shared parenting applies (40%+ each parent), apply the section 9 set-off analysis
- If income exceeds $150,000, apply the section 10 discretionary calculation for excess income
| Gross Annual Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $21,500 | $125/month | $218/month | $285/month |
| $27,000 | $183/month | $304/month | $393/month |
| $40,000 | $363/month | $582/month | $720/month |
| $60,000 | $558/month | $878/month | $1,067/month |
| $80,000 | $733/month | $1,137/month | $1,373/month |
| $100,000 | $905/month | $1,381/month | $1,667/month |
| $150,000 | $1,308/month | $1,962/month | $2,354/month |
Note: Amounts for incomes above $27,000 are approximations based on the Federal Table formula and may vary slightly from the official 2025 published tables. Always verify with the official tables at justice.gc.ca or through the child support calculator Yukon tool for precise figures.
FAQs: Child Support in Yukon
How is child support calculated in Yukon?
Child support in Yukon is calculated using the 2025 Federal Child Support Tables based on the paying parent's gross annual income and number of children. At $27,000 income, the table amount is $183 per month for one child. Section 7 extraordinary expenses are added and shared proportionally by each parent's income under Federal Child Support Guidelines, s. 7.
What income is used to calculate child support?
Gross annual income from all sources determines the table amount. This includes employment income, self-employment earnings, rental income, investment returns, and government benefits. Federal Child Support Guidelines, s. 16-20 require adjustments for non-recurring items, capital gains, and corporate income attribution. Line 15000 of the tax return is the starting point.
Does shared parenting time reduce child support?
When each parent has at least 40% parenting time (approximately 146 nights per year), Federal Child Support Guidelines, s. 9 applies. The court considers both parents' table amounts and the increased costs of maintaining two homes. Support is not automatically reduced to zero; the higher-income parent typically still pays a reduced amount.
What are section 7 extraordinary expenses?
Section 7 expenses under the Federal Child Support Guidelines include childcare for employment or education, medical and dental expenses over $100 per year per child, health insurance premiums, and extraordinary educational or extracurricular costs. Parents share these expenses in proportion to their respective gross incomes after accounting for tax benefits.
How long does child support last in Yukon?
Child support continues until the child reaches age 19 (Yukon's age of majority) unless the child remains a dependent. Under Divorce Act, s. 15.1, support extends beyond 19 for children pursuing full-time post-secondary education or unable to become self-supporting due to illness or disability. Courts may reduce the amount for adult children with independent income.
How do I enforce a child support order in Yukon?
Register your order with the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) at 301 Jarvis Street, 2nd Floor, Whitehorse (867-667-5437 or toll-free 1-877-617-5347). MEP can garnish wages above the $16,000 annual exempt amount, intercept tax refunds, suspend licenses, and register property liens. Enrollment is automatic for court orders unless both parties opt out.
What happens if income exceeds $150,000?
For income above $150,000, Federal Child Support Guidelines, s. 10 gives the court discretion. The table amount applies to the first $150,000 of income. For the excess, the court may order the extended table amount or a lesser amount based on the child's reasonable needs and established standard of living.
Can child support be changed after the order is made?
Either parent can apply to vary a child support order under Divorce Act, s. 17 when there has been a material change in circumstances. Common triggers include job loss, significant income increase, a child turning 19, relocation, or changes in parenting time arrangements. The updated 2025 Federal Child Support Tables may themselves constitute a change warranting variation.
What is the filing fee for child support in Yukon?
The filing fee for a divorce petition in Yukon Supreme Court is approximately $180 (as of March 2026; verify with your local clerk). Common-law parents proceed under the Family Property and Support Act (RSY 2002, c 83). The Family Law Information Centre at 301 Jarvis Street, Whitehorse (867-456-6721) provides free procedural guidance.
Does child support or spousal support take priority?
Child support always takes priority over spousal support under Divorce Act, s. 15.3. If the paying parent cannot afford both obligations in full, the court satisfies the child support amount first and then determines what spousal support, if any, the parent can afford from remaining income. This priority rule is mandatory and cannot be contracted out of by agreement.