Newfoundland and Labrador Child Support Laws





Newfoundland and Labrador Child Support Laws (2026)


Last verified: February 2026

Newfoundland and Labrador Child Support Laws 2026

Newfoundland and Labrador family together outdoors
Child support guidelines ensure children in Newfoundland and Labrador continue to benefit from the financial means of both parents.
Table of Contents

Overview

In Newfoundland and Labrador, child support is a legal right of the child. The law requires that both parents provide financial support to their children according to their ability to pay. This obligation applies whether the parents are married, living common-law, or have never lived together.

Applicable Guidelines

The rules for calculating child support depend on the legal status of the parents’ relationship, though the result is often the same.

The provincial regulations closely mirror the federal guidelines. Both use the designated Child Support Tables for Newfoundland and Labrador to set base amounts.

Calculating Support Amounts

The amount of support is determined primarily by the payor’s income and the number of children.

Step 1: Determine Annual Income

The starting point is the “Total Income” from Line 15000 of the parent’s tax return. Adjustments may be made for union dues, employment expenses, or if income fluctuates wildly from year to year.

Step 2: Apply the Tables

Using the 2026 Child Support Tables for Newfoundland and Labrador, find the row that matches the payor’s income. This table indicates the monthly base amount to be paid for the number of eligible children.

Financial documents and calculator on a desk
The table amount is the starting point, but other factors like custody arrangements can affect the final total.

Step 3: Parenting Time Adjustments

The custody arrangement impacts the calculation:

  • Sole Custody: The parent with whom the child lives less than 40% of the time pays the full table amount to the other parent.
  • Shared Custody (40% rule): If the child lives with each parent at least 40% of the time, the court considers the table amounts for both parents, the increased costs of shared custody, and the conditions/means of each parent. Often, the higher earner pays the difference between the two table amounts (set-off).
  • Split Custody: When each parent has sole custody of at least one child, the table amounts for each are calculated and offset.

Special Expenses (Section 7)

The basic table amount covers food, shelter, and clothing. “Section 7” or special expenses are additional costs shared by parents, usually in proportion to their incomes. These include:

  • Child care costs.
  • Health-related expenses (orthodontics, prescriptions, glasses) over $100 annually per illness.
  • Extraordinary expenses for primary/secondary school or extracurricular activities.
  • Post-secondary education costs.

Support Enforcement Program (SEP)

The Support Enforcement Program (SEP) operates under the Department of Justice and Public Safety. Once a support order is filed with the SEP, they manage the collection and distribution of payments. If a payor fails to pay, SEP can take enforcement actions such as:

  • Garnishing wages or bank accounts.
  • Intercepting federal payments (like tax refunds).
  • Suspending driver’s licenses or passports.

Varying an Order

A child support order is not necessarily permanent. It can be changed (varied) if there is a change in circumstances, such as:

  • A change in the payor’s income.
  • A change in the child’s residence.
  • The child reaching the age of majority or finishing school.

Parents can agree to change the amount in a written agreement, or apply to the court for a variation order. The Child Support Recalculation Service may also be available to administratively update amounts based on current income without a full court hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age of majority for child support in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The age of majority is 19. Child support typically ends at 19 unless the child is unable to withdraw from parental charge due to illness, disability, or is pursuing full-time education.
Does a new partner’s income affect child support?
Generally, no. The step-parent’s income is not included in the calculation of the biological parent’s table amount. However, it might be considered in cases of “undue hardship” claims where the household standard of living is compared.
How are university costs handled?
Post-secondary education is considered a Section 7 special expense. Parents typically share the cost (tuition, books, living expenses) in proportion to their incomes, after the child makes a reasonable contribution through loans, grants, or part-time work.
What if I cannot afford the table amount?
If the table amount would cause “undue hardship” (e.g., due to high debt from the relationship or supporting other children), you can apply to the court to pay a lower amount. This is a high threshold to meet.
Can I pay child support directly to my ex instead of through SEP?
If your court order is registered with the Support Enforcement Program, you generally must pay through them to ensure accurate record-keeping. If both parents agree, they can request to withdraw from the program, but private arrangements can be risky if disputes arise later.