BC Child Support Laws 2026: FMEP, Guidelines & Age 19 Rules

In British Columbia, the law is clear: children have a right to financial support from their parents. This applies whether the parents were married, living common-law, or just dating. With the high cost of living in Vancouver, Victoria, and the Lower Mainland, understanding your rights and obligations is essential for 2026.

BC operates under two main laws: the federal Divorce Act for married couples, and the provincial Family Law Act for everyone else. While the payment amounts are usually identical, the rules about who pays (especially step-parents) and how long they pay can differ.

How to Apply for Child Support in BC

You have a few options to start the process:

1. Separation Agreement: If you agree on the amount (using the tables), you can write it into a separation agreement. If you file this agreement with the court registry, it can be enforced just like a judge’s order.
2. Provincial Court: For unmarried parents or those not asking for a divorce yet. It is less formal and usually free to file.
3. Supreme Court of BC: Mandatory for divorce or if you have complex property/trust issues.

Tip: BC has “Family Justice Counsellors” available for free to help parents with low incomes reach agreements without going to court.

Step-Parents and Paternity in BC

BC has unique rules for step-parents. Under the Family Law Act, a step-parent may be required to pay child support if:

• They were married to or lived in a marriage-like relationship with the parent for at least one year; AND
• They contributed to the support of the child for at least one year.

However, the step-parent’s obligation is usually secondary to the biological parents. The court will look at how much the biological parents are paying first.

Time Limit: You must apply for support from a step-parent within one year of separation. If you wait longer, you may lose the right to claim against them.

What Does Child Support Cover?

The monthly Table amount covers basic needs:

• Housing (rent in Vancouver is a major factor, but the table amount is fixed based on income, not actual rent costs)
• Food
• Clothing
• Basic transportation

It does NOT cover “extraordinary” expenses like private school, expensive dental work, or daycare.

How to Calculate Child Support

The calculation is based on the Payor’s Guideline Income.

• Line 15000: Start with the total income from the T1 General tax return.
• Union Dues: Deduct union dues.
• Employment Expenses: Deduct legitimate employment expenses (if approved by CRA).

Once you have the Guideline Income, you look it up in the BC Tables for the number of children.

BC Child Support Tables (2025/2026)

The tables were updated federally on October 1, 2025. BC uses these federal tables.

View 2025 BC Child Support Tables

Shared Custody (40% Rule)

If the child spends at least 40% of the time with each parent, the amount is usually calculated by:

1. Determining what each parent would pay the other (table amount).
2. Subtracting the lower amount from the higher amount (set-off).
3. Adjusting for the increased costs of two households.

Section 7: Special Expenses

In BC, common Section 7 expenses include:

• Daycare and after-school care (crucial for working parents).
• Medical/Dental premiums and portions not covered by MSP or insurance.
• Post-secondary education (UBC, SFU, UVic).
• Extraordinary extracurriculars (e.g., rep hockey, competitive dance).

These are shared proportionately to income.

How to Modify Support

If income changes, support should change. BC allows for an annual exchange of financial information. If the payor refuses to provide tax returns, the recipient can apply to court to compel disclosure and potentially get costs awarded against the payor.

Enforcement: FMEP

The Family Maintenance Enforcement Program (FMEP) is a free provincial service that enforces support orders. They are very powerful.

• ICBC Refusal: FMEP can direct ICBC to refuse to renew your driver’s license or vehicle insurance.
• Passport Denial: They can intercept federal passports.
• Garnishment: They can garnish wages, bank accounts, and even federal payments like EI or GST rebates.
• Liens: They can register a lien against your property (house/condo) so you cannot sell or refinance without paying.

When Does Support End?

In BC, the age of majority is 19.

• Under 19: Mandatory support.
• Over 19: Support often continues if the child is enrolled in full-time post-secondary education. The “Child of the Marriage” definition under the Divorce Act allows this. Under the Family Law Act, “child” includes a person older than 19 who is unable to withdraw from parental charge due to illness or being a full-time student.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Laws

• Canada Federal Child Support Guidelines
• Alberta Child Support Laws
• Ontario Child Support Laws
• BC Employment Standards
• BC Residential Tenancy Act