Age of majority
The age of majority is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan, and 19 in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon.
How the amount is set for an adult child
Under section 3(2) of the Federal Child Support Guidelines, a court can use the regular table amount plus special expenses, or, if that is not suitable, set an amount that fits the child's needs and means and each parent's ability to pay. Courts often look at whether the child lives at home, works part-time, has savings or student loans, and what the program costs.
Tuition and school costs
Post-secondary costs are a section 7 special expense, usually shared by the parents in proportion to income, after the child's own reasonable contribution. Split the cost.
Quebec
In Quebec, support for an adult child in school is also possible. The child or a parent can ask for it, and the court looks at the child's needs and resources.
Every case depends on its facts. A family lawyer can tell you how courts in your province have handled situations like yours.
Your firm, right under their number
Parents in your province see this spot the moment they get their child support result. One firm per province.
General information only, not legal advice. For your situation, speak with a family lawyer or your province's family justice services.
