How do I calculate child support?

The law says that parents have to look after their children financially, even if one parent doesn't see or take care of the children. See Child Support (opens in a new tab) on Family Law in BC.

In BC, child support is usually calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines (opens in a new tab). The amount depends mainly on:

1. The paying parent’s gross annual income (before taxes).
2. The number of children being supported.
3. The province or territory where the paying parent lives.

You don’t have to figure it out on your own. There are free online tools:

• Federal Child Support Calculator (opens in a new tab) – Enter income, number of children, and province to see the monthly amount
• MySupportCalculator (opens in a new tab) – This is a free tool that can calculate child support and/or spousal support, based on the information you provide.
• Family Justice Centres (opens in a new tab) – This free BC government service can help you calculate child support payments.

Sometimes extra costs (like daycare, medical expenses, or school fees) are shared between parents. These are called special or extraordinary expenses. If you’re not sure about income amounts or special expenses, you may want legal help or mediation. See “Is there free help to separate or divorce in BC? (opens in a new tab)”.

If you already pay or receive child support, the BC Child Support Recalculation Service (opens in a new tab) (CSRS) is a free program that reviews child support orders and written agreements. It recalculates (works out again) the amount of child support a paying parent must pay every year based on updated income information.

If you have questions related to child support, Ask JES.