Quebec Canadian Child Support Calculator

Quebec child support uses the Quebec Model, which calculates support based on both parents' combined disposable incomes—unlike the Federal Child Support Guidelines that only consider the paying parent's income. Each parent subtracts the 2025 basic deduction of $13,575 from their gross income, then the Basic Parental Contribution Table determines the total annual support obligation based on combined disposable income and number of children. This total is divided proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income and the parenting time arrangement.

Quebec child support includes additional expenses beyond the basic parental contribution for childcare costs, post-secondary education expenses, and special expenses for the child's particular needs. Special expenses may include medical treatments not covered by insurance, orthodontics, tutoring, private schooling, and extracurricular activities. These expenses are shared proportionally based on each parent's percentage of the combined disposable income, similar to Section 7 expenses under the Federal Child Support Guidelines.

In Quebec, shared parenting time is defined as each parent having the child 40-60% of the time. When parenting time falls within this range, both parents calculate what they would pay if they were the sole paying parent using the Basic Parental Contribution Table. The higher-income parent then pays the difference between the two amounts to the lower-income parent. Even with exactly 50/50 parenting time, child support is typically still paid by the parent with greater income.

Quebec child support uses disposable income, calculated by taking each parent's total income from all sources and subtracting the basic deduction ($13,575 in 2025) plus applicable union or professional dues. Family government transfers, social assistance benefits, and educational assistance are excluded from income. Courts may impute fictitious income to a parent who voluntarily reduces earnings to avoid support obligations.

Yes, Quebec child support can be modified when significant life changes occur, such as job loss, income increase, or changes in parenting arrangements. Parents can use the SARPA service (Child Support Recalculation Service) for $54 to modify payments without court when income changes, or the Homologation Assistance Service for $325.50 when both parents agree on modifications. Any change deviating from the Quebec Model formula requires court approval to ensure the child's best interests are protected.

Quebec child support does not automatically end when a child turns 18. Support continues for children who cannot meet their own needs, particularly those pursuing full-time post-secondary education. Courts typically extend support until the child completes their first undergraduate degree and achieves financial independence. Adult children in school are expected to contribute through part-time work, scholarships, and reasonable student loans; courts examine academic progress and may terminate support if the child wastes time.

When either parent's annual disposable income exceeds $200,000 CAD, Quebec courts have discretion to adjust the calculated child support amount beyond the standard Basic Parental Contribution Table formula. Judges may also deviate from standard calculations when a parent holds significant assets, when parenting arrangement costs cause excessive hardship, or when one parent already pays support for children from another relationship. Even if both parents agree on a different amount, court approval is required.

Extracurricular activities in Quebec may qualify as special expenses added to the basic parental contribution when they meet the child's particular developmental, educational, or health needs. Parents share these costs proportionally based on their respective shares of combined disposable income. Not all activities qualify—courts consider whether the expense is reasonable given the family's financial circumstances and consistent with the child's established activities before separation.