Answer capsule: Child support in Northwest Territories does not automatically end when a child reaches 19, the territorial age of majority. Under the federal Divorce Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 3 (2nd Supp.), s. 2(1), support continues for any "child of the marriage" who remains under parental charge due to illness, disability, or other cause such as full-time post-secondary education. The territorial Children's Law Act, S.N.W.T. 1997, c. 14, s. 85 mirrors these provisions for unmarried parents. Determining when child support truly ends in Northwest Territories requires understanding both federal and territorial law, the child's circumstances, and whether a court order specifies a termination date.
Key Facts: Child Support in Northwest Territories (2026)
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Age of Majority | 19 years old (Age of Majority Act, R.S.N.W.T. 1988, c. A-2) |
| Automatic Termination Age | No automatic termination — depends on court order and child's circumstances |
| Governing Federal Law | Divorce Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 3 (2nd Supp.) and Federal Child Support Guidelines (SOR/97-175) |
| Governing Territorial Law | Children's Law Act (S.N.W.T. 1997, c. 14) and NWT Child Support Guidelines (NWT Reg 138-98) |
| Court with Jurisdiction | Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories (Yellowknife) |
| Residency Requirement | 1 year of ordinary residence in NWT before filing for divorce |
| Filing Fees | Contact the NWT Court Registry directly — fees set by Court Services Fees Regulations (NWT Reg 120-93). As of March 2026. Verify with your local clerk. |
| Grounds for Divorce | 1 year of separation (no-fault) under Divorce Act, s. 8(2)(a) |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution under Family Law Act, S.N.W.T. 1997, c. 18 |
| Recent Amendment | Bill 24 (S.N.W.T. 2025, c. 12) amended the Family Law Act, effective October 31, 2025 |
| Child Support Tables | Updated October 1, 2025 — Federal Child Support Guidelines 2025 tables |
When Does Child Support End in Northwest Territories?
Child support in Northwest Territories does not have a fixed termination date tied to a child turning 19. Under the federal Divorce Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 3, s. 2(1), a "child of the marriage" includes anyone at or over the age of majority who is unable to withdraw from parental charge or obtain the necessaries of life by reason of illness, disability, or "other cause." Northwest Territories courts have consistently interpreted "other cause" to include full-time post-secondary education, meaning child support commonly extends into a child's early 20s when they are enrolled in university, college, or trade school.
The NWT Department of Justice states directly: "Many incorrectly believe that a requirement to pay child support automatically ends when the child reaches age 19." This misconception leads parents to stop payments prematurely, which can result in enforcement action, arrears accumulation, and contempt of court proceedings. The correct approach is to review the specific terms of the court order or separation agreement, then apply to the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories to vary or terminate the order if circumstances warrant.
For parents governed by the territorial Children's Law Act, S.N.W.T. 1997, c. 14 rather than the Divorce Act (typically unmarried parents), the NWT Child Support Guidelines (NWT Reg 138-98) contain parallel provisions. The obligation depends on the child's dependency status, not solely their chronological age.
What Is the Age of Majority in Northwest Territories and How Does It Affect Child Support?
The age of majority in Northwest Territories is 19, established by the Age of Majority Act (R.S.N.W.T. 1988, c. A-2). A child turning 19 in NWT gains full legal capacity to enter contracts, vote, and manage their own affairs. However, reaching the age of majority does not automatically terminate a child support obligation. The age of majority creates a rebuttable presumption that the child can become self-supporting, but it is only a starting point for analysis.
When a child turns 19 in Northwest Territories, the paying parent may apply to vary or terminate the support order. The court will assess whether the child remains a "child of the marriage" under the Divorce Act, s. 2(1) or a dependent child under territorial law. If the child is enrolled full-time in post-secondary education, has a disability preventing self-sufficiency, or faces other circumstances making independence impossible, the court will likely order continued support. Canadian case law establishes that parents who earned the income enabling them to pay support during the child's minority bear a continuing moral and legal obligation when the child pursues reasonable educational goals.
Northwest Territories shares the age of majority of 19 with British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, and Yukon. Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan set the threshold at 18. This variation matters when a child moves between provinces or territories, as the applicable law may change depending on where the child resides.
How Long Does Child Support Last for Post-Secondary Students in Northwest Territories?
Child support for a post-secondary student in Northwest Territories typically continues until the child completes their first undergraduate degree or diploma, usually around age 22 to 24. Courts assess whether the child is enrolled full-time, making reasonable academic progress, and genuinely unable to support themselves while pursuing education. Under the Divorce Act, s. 2(1), attending a recognized post-secondary program is the most commonly accepted "other cause" for remaining under parental charge past age 19.
Northwest Territories courts consider several factors when evaluating whether child support should continue for a student:
- Full-time enrollment status at a recognized institution (university, college, polytechnic, or trade school)
- Reasonable academic progress toward completing a degree, diploma, or certificate
- The child's age relative to the expected program completion date
- Whether the child has made reasonable efforts to contribute to their own support through part-time employment or summer work
- The financial resources available to the child, including scholarships, bursaries, student loans, and RESP withdrawals
- The parents' financial means and the standard of living the family would have enjoyed absent the separation
- Whether the educational plan was discussed or contemplated during the marriage
Support generally does not extend to a second degree. A child who completes a bachelor's degree and then enrolls in a master's program may not qualify for continued support unless the parents had specifically contemplated graduate education. Courts examine whether the child's educational pursuits are reasonable in the context of the family's expectations and means.
The Federal Child Support Guidelines 2025 tables, effective October 1, 2025, set the base monthly amounts for NWT based on the paying parent's gross annual income and the number of children. For a parent earning $60,000 annually with one child, the approximate base table amount is $565 per month. For a parent earning $100,000 annually, the base amount is approximately $950 per month for one child. These amounts may be adjusted for special or extraordinary expenses under Federal Child Support Guidelines, s. 7, which specifically includes post-secondary education costs.
Can Child Support Continue Indefinitely for a Child with a Disability?
Child support in Northwest Territories can continue indefinitely when a child has a physical or mental disability that prevents them from becoming self-supporting. The Divorce Act, s. 2(1) explicitly includes "illness" and "disability" as grounds for a child remaining under parental charge past the age of majority. There is no upper age limit on this provision. A parent may be required to pay child support for an adult child with a severe disability for the child's entire lifetime.
Northwest Territories courts examine medical evidence documenting the nature and permanence of the disability, the child's earning capacity (if any), the availability of government disability benefits and support programs, and the parents' respective financial means. Even when a disabled adult child receives territorial disability benefits, the court may still order parental support if those benefits are insufficient to meet the child's needs. The obligation reflects the principle that parents bear primary responsibility for their children's welfare, with government programs serving as a supplement rather than a replacement.
For parents of children with developmental disabilities or chronic conditions, planning for the transition past age 19 is critical. Filing a variation application before the child reaches the age of majority can prevent a gap in support and establish ongoing jurisdiction.
How Do the Federal Child Support Guidelines Apply in Northwest Territories?
The Federal Child Support Guidelines (SOR/97-175) apply to all child support orders made under the Divorce Act in Northwest Territories, while the NWT Child Support Guidelines (NWT Reg 138-98) apply to orders made under the territorial Children's Law Act, S.N.W.T. 1997, c. 14. Both sets of guidelines use income-based tables to calculate the base amount of child support owed. The 2025 federal tables, effective October 1, 2025, reflect the most current income and cost-of-living data for NWT.
The guideline calculation involves three steps:
- Determine the paying parent's gross annual income from all sources (line 15000 of the T1 tax return, with adjustments under Schedule III of the Guidelines)
- Look up the base table amount for the applicable province or territory and number of children
- Add proportionate shares of special or extraordinary expenses under s. 7 of the Guidelines
Section 7 expenses that may extend beyond age 19 include:
- Post-secondary education tuition, books, and living expenses
- Extraordinary expenses for extracurricular activities
- Medical and dental insurance premiums not covered by a benefit plan
- Health-related expenses exceeding $100 annually
- Child care expenses required for the primary parent's employment or education
| Annual Gross Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | ~$256/mo | ~$418/mo | ~$533/mo |
| $50,000 | ~$461/mo | ~$734/mo | ~$930/mo |
| $75,000 | ~$700/mo | ~$1,084/mo | ~$1,353/mo |
| $100,000 | ~$950/mo | ~$1,400/mo | ~$1,741/mo |
| $150,000 | ~$1,286/mo | ~$1,879/mo | ~$2,298/mo |
Note: These are approximate 2025 table amounts for NWT. Exact amounts vary based on precise income figures. Verify with the Federal Child Support Tables published by the Department of Justice Canada.
For incomes above $150,000, the Guidelines provide a formula rather than a fixed table amount. The court retains discretion to adjust amounts for high-income earners, shared parenting time arrangements (where the child spends at least 40% of time with each parent), and undue hardship claims.
How to Apply to Vary or Terminate Child Support in Northwest Territories
To vary or terminate a child support order in Northwest Territories, a parent must file an application with the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories in Yellowknife. The applicant must demonstrate a "material change in circumstances" as defined by Divorce Act, s. 17(4.1). A child reaching the age of majority, completing post-secondary education, or obtaining full-time employment all qualify as material changes. Filing fees are governed by the Court Services Fees Regulations (NWT Reg 120-93). As of March 2026, contact the NWT Court Registry at (867) 767-9260 for current fee schedules. Verify with your local clerk.
The process for varying or terminating child support in NWT follows these steps:
- Obtain the current child support order and review its terms for any built-in termination provisions
- Gather evidence of the material change (proof of graduation, employment records, income documentation)
- File a Notice of Application to Vary with the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories
- Serve the application on the other parent in accordance with the NWT Rules of the Supreme Court
- Attend a case conference if ordered by the court
- Attend the hearing where the court will consider both parties' evidence and arguments
- Obtain the varied or terminated order
Parents should not unilaterally stop paying child support without a court order. Even when a child turns 19, graduates, or becomes employed, the original order remains enforceable until formally varied or terminated. Arrears accumulate during any period of non-payment and are enforceable through the NWT Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP), which can garnish wages, seize bank accounts, suspend driver's licenses, and intercept federal payments including tax refunds.
What Role Does the NWT Maintenance Enforcement Program Play?
The Northwest Territories Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) automatically enrolls all child support orders and agreements filed with the court. MEP monitors compliance, collects payments from the paying parent, and distributes funds to the receiving parent. MEP has authority to enforce child support orders using 10 or more enforcement tools, including wage garnishment of up to 50% of disposable income, bank account seizure, driver's license suspension, passport denial through the federal Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance program, and reporting to credit bureaus.
MEP enforcement continues regardless of the child's age as long as a valid order exists. If a paying parent believes child support should end because the child has reached the age of majority or become self-supporting, the parent must apply to court to vary the order. Simply informing MEP that the child is over 19 does not terminate the obligation. MEP will continue enforcing the existing order until the court issues a variation order or termination.
Contact the NWT Maintenance Enforcement Program through the Department of Justice at (867) 767-9260 ext. 82038 or toll-free at 1-800-661-0798.
What Happens When a Child Moves to Another Province or Territory?
When a child who is the subject of a Northwest Territories child support order moves to another province or territory, the determination of when child support ends in Northwest Territories may be affected by interjurisdictional rules. Under the Divorce Act, s. 2(1), the definition of "child of the marriage" applies federally regardless of where the child resides. However, the applicable child support table shifts to the province or territory where the child lives. A child moving from NWT (age of majority 19) to Alberta (age of majority 18) may face different presumptions about dependency.
The Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act (S.N.W.T. 2002, c. 17) governs enforcement and variation of support orders across provincial and territorial boundaries. If the paying parent lives in NWT and the child lives in another jurisdiction, either party can apply to vary the order through the ISO process without both parties traveling to the same court.
Key considerations for interprovincial child support:
- The child support table amount changes to the province/territory of the child's residence
- The age of majority in the child's province/territory may create different presumptions
- The federal definition of "child of the marriage" overrides provincial age-of-majority differences for orders under the Divorce Act
- Section 7 extraordinary expenses, particularly post-secondary education costs, are shared proportionally based on each parent's income regardless of jurisdiction
Recent Changes Affecting Child Support in Northwest Territories (2024-2026)
Bill 24 (S.N.W.T. 2025, c. 12), An Act to Amend the Family Law Act, received Royal Assent on October 31, 2025. This legislation amends the Family Law Act, S.N.W.T. 1997, c. 18 and represents the most significant territorial family law reform since the prior amendment (S.N.W.T. 2023, c. 8, in force April 1, 2023). Parents with existing child support orders should review whether these amendments affect their obligations.
At the federal level, the 2025 Federal Child Support Guidelines tables took effect on October 1, 2025, updating the monthly child support amounts to reflect current economic conditions across all provinces and territories. The 2021 amendments to the Divorce Act, which replaced terminology like "custody" and "access" with "parenting arrangements," "parenting time," and "decision-making responsibility," continue to govern all divorce proceedings in NWT. These terminology changes under Divorce Act, s. 16.1 do not alter the substantive test for when child support ends but reflect Parliament's emphasis on child-centered language in family law.
Parents whose orders pre-date the 2021 Divorce Act amendments retain valid orders. The terminology change does not require refiling. However, any variation application filed after March 1, 2021 must use the updated language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does child support automatically stop at age 19 in Northwest Territories?
No. Child support in Northwest Territories does not automatically stop at age 19. The NWT Department of Justice explicitly warns that many parents incorrectly believe this. Under the Divorce Act, s. 2(1), support continues for any child who remains under parental charge due to illness, disability, or other cause including full-time post-secondary education. A court order is required to terminate the obligation.
When does child support end in Northwest Territories if my child is in university?
Child support in Northwest Territories typically continues until the child completes their first undergraduate degree or diploma, usually around age 22 to 24. The child must be enrolled full-time, making reasonable academic progress, and genuinely unable to support themselves. Courts consider the child's efforts to contribute through part-time work and whether the educational plan is reasonable given the family's means.
Can I stop paying child support if my child turns 19 and gets a full-time job?
A child who turns 19 and obtains full-time employment may no longer qualify as a "child of the marriage" under the Divorce Act, s. 2(1). However, the paying parent must apply to the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories to formally vary or terminate the order. Stopping payments without a court order will result in arrears accumulating, which the NWT Maintenance Enforcement Program will enforce through wage garnishment and other measures.
How much is child support in Northwest Territories for one child?
Child support in Northwest Territories is calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines tables. For one child, the approximate monthly amount ranges from $256 at a gross annual income of $30,000 to $950 at $100,000 and $1,286 at $150,000, based on the 2025 tables effective October 1, 2025. Section 7 extraordinary expenses (education, medical, childcare) are added proportionally based on each parent's income.
What qualifies as a "material change in circumstances" to end child support in NWT?
A material change in circumstances sufficient to vary or terminate child support in Northwest Territories includes: the child reaching the age of majority (19) and becoming self-supporting, the child completing post-secondary education, the child marrying or entering an adult interdependent relationship, a significant change in either parent's income (typically 10% or more), or the child voluntarily withdrawing from parental charge. The change must be substantial, ongoing, and not anticipated at the time of the original order under Divorce Act, s. 17(4.1).
Does the NWT Maintenance Enforcement Program stop collecting when my child turns 19?
No. The NWT Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) continues enforcing all existing child support orders regardless of the child's age. MEP will garnish wages, seize bank accounts, and use other enforcement tools until the court formally varies or terminates the order. Contact MEP at 1-800-661-0798 or the paying parent must file a variation application with the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories.
Can child support be extended for a child with a disability past age 19 in NWT?
Yes. Child support in Northwest Territories can continue indefinitely for a child with a physical or mental disability that prevents self-sufficiency. The Divorce Act, s. 2(1) specifically lists "illness" and "disability" as grounds for a child remaining under parental charge with no upper age limit. Courts examine medical evidence, the child's earning capacity, available government benefits, and both parents' financial means.
What court handles child support termination in Northwest Territories?
The Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories, located in Yellowknife at 4905 49th Street, handles all applications to vary or terminate child support orders under both the federal Divorce Act and the territorial Children's Law Act, S.N.W.T. 1997, c. 14. The court sits in Yellowknife regularly and travels to other NWT communities on circuit. Contact the Court Registry at (867) 767-9260.
How do I file to end child support in Northwest Territories?
To file to end child support in Northwest Territories, obtain a Notice of Application to Vary from the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories registry. Gather evidence of the material change (graduation records, employment proof, income documents). File the application, pay the applicable filing fee under the Court Services Fees Regulations (NWT Reg 120-93), and serve the other parent. The court will schedule a hearing. Legal aid may be available through the NWT Legal Aid Commission at 1-800-661-0704.
Does child support end differently for married versus unmarried parents in NWT?
The substantive test for when child support ends is the same for married and unmarried parents in Northwest Territories: support continues as long as the child remains dependent. The procedural difference is which law applies. Married parents divorcing proceed under the federal Divorce Act and Federal Child Support Guidelines (SOR/97-175). Unmarried parents proceed under the territorial Children's Law Act, S.N.W.T. 1997, c. 14 and NWT Child Support Guidelines (NWT Reg 138-98). Both frameworks produce substantially identical outcomes for child support duration.