Child Support in Alberta

Child support in Alberta is calculated based on the Child Support Guidelines, which provide a formula for determining the amount of child support payments. Here is a brief summary:‍

1. Income Determination:

The starting point for child support calculations is the gross income of the paying parent. This includes salary, wages, bonuses, and other sources of income. For most people, this is their line 15000 on their T1 General Tax Return. For people with corporations, income determination is a little more complicated than this.‍

2. Table Amounts:

The Child Support Tables outline the basic monthly support amounts based on the paying parent's income and the number of children requiring support. These tables are used to establish a baseline for child support.

3. Additional Expenses:

In addition to the basic support amount, parents may be required to contribute to special or extraordinary expenses related to the child's needs, such as childcare, medical expenses, or extracurricular activities. These expenses are typically shared between the parents in proportion to their incomes.

4. Parenting Arrangements:

The amount of time each parent spends with the child is a factor in child support calculations. In cases of shared parenting, where the child spends a significant amount of time with both parents, the support amount may be adjusted by way of a set-off between each parent's child support obligation.

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It's important to note that child support calculations can be complex and individual circumstances may vary. Parents are encouraged to seek legal advice or use our online calculator to calculate child support accurately based on their specific situation.

Check out our online calculator to get a general idea of child support amounts. If you have questions about child support, please contact our Calgary or Vancouver office to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation!

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