Calculating child support payments in Alberta follows specific guidelines designed to ensure children receive appropriate financial support from both parents after separation or divorce.
The Alberta Child Support Guidelines provide a standardized framework that courts use to determine support amounts based primarily on the paying parent’s income and number of children.
Understanding these guidelines helps parents plan their finances and ensures fair support arrangements that benefit their children’s wellbeing.
Basic Child Support Calculation Factors
- Annual income of the paying parent
- Number of children requiring support
- Custody arrangement (sole, split, or shared)
- Special expenses or extraordinary costs
Using Alberta’s Child Support Calculator
The Alberta Justice Child Support Calculator (available at alberta.ca/child-support-calculator) provides estimated support amounts based on current guidelines.
Income Determination
- Line 150 of tax return (total income)
- Recent pay stubs
- Notice of Assessment
- Financial statements for self-employed parents
Special and Extraordinary Expenses
Additional costs are typically shared proportionally based on parents’ incomes:
- Childcare expenses
- Medical/dental insurance premiums
- Healthcare needs not covered by insurance
- Educational expenses
- Extracurricular activities
Custody Arrangements Impact
| Custody Type | Support Calculation |
|---|---|
| Sole Custody | Basic table amount applies |
| Shared Custody (40%+ time) | Adjusted calculation based on time split |
| Split Custody | Set-off amount between parents |
Modification of Support Orders
Support orders can be modified when significant changes occur:
- Income changes of 15% or more
- Job loss or disability
- Changes in custody arrangements
- Child’s needs change significantly
Legal Resources and Support
Contact information for legal assistance:
- Alberta Legal Aid: 1-866-845-3425
- Edmonton Family Court: 780-422-2200
- Resolution Services: 780-415-0404
- Law Society of Alberta Referral Service: 1-800-661-1095
Next Steps for Parents
Take these immediate actions to establish or modify child support:
- Gather financial documents
- Calculate support using online calculator
- Consult with a family lawyer
- File necessary court documents
- Attend required court appearances
Enforcement of Support Payments
The Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) in Alberta ensures compliance with support orders:
- Automatic income garnishment
- Federal license suspensions
- Credit bureau reporting
- Property liens
- Passport denial
Tax Implications
Understanding tax treatment of child support payments is crucial:
- Payments are not tax deductible for the payor
- Payments are not taxable income for the recipient
- Special expenses may have tax implications
- Keep detailed records for tax purposes
Common Disputes and Resolution
Frequent Areas of Conflict
- Income disclosure accuracy
- Special expense sharing
- Payment enforcement
- Custody arrangement changes
Resolution Methods
- Mediation services
- Family court applications
- Alternative dispute resolution
- Legal representation
Securing Your Child’s Financial Future
Establishing appropriate child support arrangements ensures children maintain their standard of living and receive necessary financial resources for healthy development. Parents should regularly review arrangements and communicate changes affecting support obligations.
- Keep detailed payment records
- Update contact information with MEP
- Review support amounts annually
- Document special expenses
- Maintain open communication regarding children’s needs
FAQs
- How is child support calculated in Alberta?
Child support in Alberta is calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which consider the payor’s annual income and number of children. The base amount is determined using the Child Support Guidelines Tables. - What income is considered when calculating child support in Alberta?
All sources of income are considered, including employment income, self-employment earnings, bonuses, dividends, rental income, and pension payments, as reported on line 150 of the tax return. - Are special expenses covered beyond basic child support?
Yes, special expenses (Section 7 expenses) may include childcare, medical/dental expenses not covered by insurance, extracurricular activities, post-secondary education, and private school costs. These are typically shared proportionally based on income. - How often can child support amounts be reviewed or changed?
Child support can be reviewed annually or when there is a significant change in circumstances, such as job loss or income change. Either parent can apply to court for modification. - What happens if the paying parent lives outside Alberta?
The Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act helps enforce child support across provinces and countries. Support can still be calculated using Alberta guidelines but may require coordination with other jurisdictions. - Is child support tax deductible in Alberta?
No, child support payments are not tax deductible for the payor and are not taxable income for the recipient under current Canadian tax laws. - What tools are available to help calculate child support in Alberta?
The Federal Department of Justice provides an online child support calculator, and the Alberta Courts website offers guidelines and worksheets. MEP (Maintenance Enforcement Program) also provides resources. - How long does child support continue in Alberta?
Child support typically continues until the child turns 18 or becomes self-sufficient. It may extend beyond 18 if the child is still dependent due to illness, disability, or full-time post-secondary education. - What happens if a parent fails to pay child support in Alberta?
The Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) can enforce payment through various means, including wage garnishment, federal interception of funds, driver’s license suspension, or passport denial. - Can parents make their own child support arrangements?
Yes, parents can agree to their own arrangements, but they must be in writing and generally should not be less than the Federal Guidelines amount unless there are specific justifiable circumstances.
