By Navdeep Dhindsa – Brampton Child Custody Lawyer
Child support is one of the most common and important questions parents ask during separation or divorce. As a Brampton Child Custody Lawyer, I often hear: “When does child support actually stop?”
The answer depends on several factors under Canadian law, particularly the federal Divorce Act and Ontario’s Family Law Act. In this blog, I’ll break down how child support works in Canada and when it legally comes to an end.
Under the Divorce Act and the Family Law Act, child support is the legal obligation of a parent to financially support their child after separation or divorce.
Support payments are typically calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which consider:
Child support is a right of the child, not the parent receiving the payments. That’s an important distinction many people overlook.
In Ontario and most Canadian provinces, child support usually continues until the child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 years old in Ontario.
However, turning 18 does not automatically mean child support ends.
Under Canadian law, support may continue if the child is:
If a child is attending college or university full-time, support can continue beyond age 18. Courts look at:
If a child is unable to become financially independent due to physical or mental disability, support may continue indefinitely.
If a child has not withdrawn from parental control and is still dependent (for example, finishing high school after turning 18), support may continue.
As a Brampton Child Custody Lawyer, I often advise parents that child support is tied more to dependency than strictly to age.
Child support typically ends when:
Sometimes a separation agreement or court order clearly states an end date. In other cases, a court application may be required to formally terminate support.
No. Child support does not automatically stop when a child turns 18.
If payments are enforced through Ontario’s Family Responsibility Office, the paying parent must obtain a court order or agreement confirming termination. Otherwise, enforcement may continue.
This is where legal guidance becomes crucial.
Yes. Support can be varied if there is a material change in circumstances, such as:
A motion to change may need to be filed with the court.
No. You should never stop payments without a formal agreement or court order. Doing so can result in arrears and enforcement action.
Possibly, yes. If your child is enrolled full-time and remains dependent, support may continue.
If your child withdraws from school and becomes financially independent, you may have grounds to terminate support. Legal advice is strongly recommended before taking action.
Shared parenting affects the amount of support but not necessarily the duration. Dependency remains the key factor.
Often, yes—especially if payments are being enforced through the Family Responsibility Office or if the other parent disagrees.
Child support does not end automatically at a specific age in Canada. The key question courts ask is whether the child remains dependent. Every family situation is unique, and small details can significantly affect your legal obligations.
If you are unsure whether child support should continue or end in your case, it is important to seek professional legal guidance. As a Brampton Child Custody Lawyer, I help parents understand their rights and responsibilities under Canadian law and work toward practical, fair solutions.
For trusted legal advice regarding child support matters, contact Dhindsa Law today.