Federal Child Support Guidelines — BC Provincial Table
Use this tool to estimate base child support under the Federal Child Support Guidelines (BC provincial table). Enter the paying parent's gross annual income and the number of children to see the guideline amount.
This is an educational estimator only — not legal advice. Every family's circumstances are different.
Use Line 15000 from their Notice of Assessment as a starting point.
Total of childcare, extraordinary medical, etc. paid each month. Enter combined amount — your share will be estimated at 50%.
When a parent has the children 40% or more of the time, courts use a set-off approach comparing both parents' table amounts and actual costs. The estimate below shows the table amount — the actual figure in your case may differ significantly. Please speak with a lawyer for an accurate calculation.
This estimate is based on the current Federal Child Support Guidelines BC provincial table and is intended for educational purposes only. Actual child support obligations depend on full financial disclosure, actual parenting arrangements, Section 7 expenses, and other circumstances. This is not legal advice.
Want an accurate calculation for your situation?
Our family lawyers work through child support calculations with you, including full income disclosure, parenting time analysis, and Section 7 expenses — and can help you reach an agreement or represent you in court.
In addition to the base table amount, parents share these costs proportionally based on income:
How Child Support is Calculated in BC
Child support in BC is governed by the
, which apply to all divorcing couples across Canada, as well as the
for common-law and separated (but not yet divorced) couples.
On top of the base amount, parents share
in proportion to their incomes. These are "special or extraordinary" costs that are reasonable and necessary, including childcare needed so a parent can work, extraordinary medical expenses, and post-secondary education costs.
When a paying parent has the children
(roughly 146 nights per year), Section 9 of the Guidelines applies. The court has discretion to set an amount that reflects the actual costs each parent bears — this typically results in a lower figure than the standard table, but it is not a simple 50% reduction.
is an important concept: if a court finds that a parent is voluntarily underemployed or unemployed without good reason, it can base support on what that parent should be earning — not their actual income.
Child support ends when a child is no longer a "child of the marriage" — generally at age 19 in BC, but it continues for adult children who are in full-time post-secondary education or who have a disability that makes them unable to withdraw from their parents' care.
(SOR/97-175) — specifically Schedule I (BC Table) and Sections 3, 7, and 9. For common-law and non-divorced couples:
, S.B.C. 2011, c. 25, Part 7. Income determination follows Schedule III of the Federal Guidelines.
Estimate spousal support using the SSAG formula.
What goes into a legally sound separation agreement.
Separation, estate planning, and court day checklists.
Living in the U.S. with B.C. ties? Read about child support across the border
Calculators give you a starting point — our family lawyers give you the full picture. We'll work through income disclosure, parenting time, Section 7 expenses, and your options to reach a fair agreement.
The amount depends on the paying parent's gross annual income and the number of children. For example, a payor earning $70,000/year with one child in BC pays approximately $600/month as a base amount. Use the calculator above to get your estimate. Section 7 expenses — childcare, medical, post-secondary — are added on top and split proportionally between parents.
Child support in BC is calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines. The payor's annual gross income and the number of children determine the base monthly amount from the BC provincial table. Section 7 expenses (childcare, extraordinary medical, post-secondary) are shared proportionally on top of the base amount. Both parents must fully disclose their income annually.
Yes. If the paying parent has the children at least 40% of the time (roughly 146 nights per year), Section 9 of the Federal Child Support Guidelines applies. Courts look at the actual costs each parent incurs, the table amounts for both parents, and the children's circumstances. This can result in an offset calculation rather than the standard table amount.
Yes. Either parent can apply to vary a child support order when there is a material change in circumstances — typically a significant income change, a change in the number of children, or a change in parenting time. BC family courts expect support to be reviewed annually when incomes change by 10% or more.
What happens if a parent refuses to pay child support in BC?
The BC Family Maintenance Enforcement Program (FMEP) can enforce child support orders — garnishing wages, suspending driver's licences, intercepting tax refunds, and registering liens against property. Registering your order with FMEP is free and recommended even when a payor is currently paying on time.
No. Child support payments are not taxable income for the recipient and are not tax-deductible for the payor — this has been the rule in Canada since May 1, 1997. Only spousal support has tax consequences (deductible for the payor, taxable income for the recipient).
Child support continues until a child is no longer a 'child of the marriage' — typically at age 19 in BC when a child becomes an adult. Support continues past 19 if the child is enrolled full-time in post-secondary education, has a disability, or is otherwise unable to be self-sufficient. Either parent can apply to vary or terminate support when circumstances change.
Section 7 expenses (also called 'special and extraordinary expenses') are costs shared proportionally between parents in addition to the base table amount. They include childcare required for work or school, extraordinary medical or dental expenses, post-secondary education costs, and extracurricular activities that are extraordinary in nature. Each parent's share is based on their income relative to combined income.
Child Support Calculator BC — Estimate Payments Instantly
How much child support will you pay or receive in BC? Use our free 2026 calculator based on BC child support guidelines. Covers Section 7 expenses, FMEP & the 40% shared custody rule.
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If the paying parent has the children 40%+ of the time, Section 9 set-off rules apply — support may be reduced.
Child support should be reviewed each year when income changes. Tax returns are the standard disclosure tool.
Support continues until a child is no longer a 'child of the marriage' — typically at 19 in BC, or longer if the child is in school or has a disability.
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