If you are separating or divorcing in British Columbia, understanding how child support is calculated is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your children’s future.
This page gives you a clear, plain-language overview of how child support works in BC. For advice specific to your situation, speak with a family lawyer.
More information on parenting arrangements after separation is available through BC’s Parenting After Separation resources
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In BC, child support is calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, the same rules used across Canada. The guidelines are based on:
The gross annual income of the paying parent.
The number of children being supported.
The province where the paying parent lives.
In most cases, judges are required to follow the guidelines. The result is a monthly table amount, a set figure based on the payor’s income and number of children.
Example: A Vancouver parent earning $70,000 per year with two children living primarily with the other parent would pay approximately $1,102 per month in base child support.
Type | Description | When Applied |
Table Amount | Base monthly payment set by the Federal Guidelines | Standard sole custody situations |
Section 7 / Special Expenses | Additional costs for childcare, medical, education, and extracurriculars | Added on top of the base amount |
Shared Custody | Both parents have a child at least 40% of the time — amounts are offset | Net support paid by the higher earner |
Split Custody | Each parent has primary care of at least one child | Separate calculations for each child |
Variation | Change to existing support order due to income or custody changes | Applied post-agreement or post-order |
On top of the base table amount, courts may order parents to share special or extraordinary expenses, including:
These costs are divided proportionally based on each parent’s income.
Vancouver note: Given the high cost of childcare, private schooling, and extracurricular programs in Vancouver and the North Shore, Section 7 expenses can be a significant part of a child support order.
If children spend at least 40% of their time with each parent, BC courts use a different calculation. Both parents’ table amounts are calculated separately, and the higher earner pays the difference, called a set-off amount.
This approach recognizes that both parents carry costs when the child is in their care.
Yes. Child support is not fixed forever. Either parent can apply to vary support if:
In BC, the Child Support Recalculation Service can also adjust support annually based on updated income without going back to court.
Factor | Impact on Child Support |
Parent Income | Determines baseline guideline amount |
Childcare & School | Included as special expenses |
Housing Costs | The cost of maintaining a home for the child is considered |
Extracurricular Activities | Sports, arts, and music programs added to special expenses |
Special Needs | Medical, therapy, or learning needs may increase the total amount |
Online tools can give a rough estimate — but they cannot:
For expert guidance on child support in Vancouver, speak with a family lawyer who knows the BC court system.
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*The Law Society requires all lawyers to collect this information before providing a consultation. Please complete the form below so we can proceed with your request.
Using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which are based on the paying parent’s gross income and the number of children.
Additional costs like childcare, medical, and extracurriculars — shared between parents proportionally based on income.
Yes — when each parent has the child at least 40% of the time, a set-off calculation applies.
Generally, until the child turns 19, and sometimes longer if the child remains financially dependent.
Yes — without proper legal advice, you risk agreeing to an amount that is unfair or unenforceable in court.
