Prince Edward Island Child Support Laws

Last verified: February 2026

Prince Edward Island Child Support Laws 2026

Family on Prince Edward Island enjoying the outdoors
Ensuring fair financial support helps children in PEI thrive after separation.
Table of Contents

Overview

In Prince Edward Island, parents have a legal duty to support their children financially. This obligation is based on the principle that children should benefit from the financial means of both parents, as if the family were still together. The laws apply to all parents, whether married, common-law, or never lived together.

Federal vs. Provincial Laws

The guidelines that apply to your situation depend on your relationship status, though the calculation methods are very similar.

Both sets of guidelines use the Federal Child Support Tables designed for Prince Edward Island to determine the monthly payment amounts.

Calculating Child Support

Calculating the amount of support involves determining income, applying the tables, and adjusting for custody arrangements.

1. Determine Income

The payor’s annual income is usually determined by Line 15000 of their tax return. It is important to use current income information, and adjustments may be made for self-employment or other specific tax situations.

2. The Table Amount

Using the 2026 Federal Child Support Tables for Prince Edward Island, you find the base monthly amount based on the payor’s gross income and the number of children. This amount is legally presumed to be the correct amount for basic support.

The table amount is a fixed calculation, but special expenses are added on top.

3. Custody Arrangements

  • Primary Care: If the child lives primarily with one parent (over 60% of the time), the other parent pays the full table amount.
  • Shared Parenting: If each parent cares for the child at least 40% of the time, the court considers the table amounts for both parents and the increased costs of the shared arrangement. Typically, the higher income earner pays the difference (offset).

Special Expenses (Section 7)

Section 7 of the guidelines covers “special or extraordinary expenses.” These are costs that are necessary and reasonable but not covered by the basic table amount. Parents usually share these in proportion to their incomes. Common examples include:

  • Child care expenses.
  • Medical and dental insurance premiums.
  • Health expenses over $100 per year (e.g., braces, therapy).
  • Post-secondary education.
  • Extraordinary expenses for extracurricular activities.

Child Support Guidelines Office

PEI has a Child Support Guidelines Office. This service can help parents calculate child support amounts and set up agreements without necessarily going to court. They provide information and can assist in registering agreements with the court so they can be enforced.

Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP)

The Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) in PEI enforces child support orders and registered agreements. They collect payments from the payor and distribute them to the recipient. MEP has the authority to:

  • Garnish wages and other income sources.
  • Seize bank accounts.
  • Suspend driver’s licenses.
  • Report arrears to credit bureaus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age of majority in PEI for child support?
The age of majority in PEI is 18. However, child support often continues past 18 if the child is in full-time school (post-secondary education) or is unable to support themselves due to illness or disability.
Can we agree on a different amount than the table?
Parents can agree to an amount different from the table, but the court must be satisfied that the arrangement is reasonable and sufficient to support the child. If the amount is lower than the table amount without a valid reason, the court may not approve the order.
How do I change my child support payments?
If your income changes significantly, you should update your child support. This can be done by agreement, through the Child Support Guidelines Office (recalculation service), or by applying to the court for a variation order.
Do I have to pay for my child’s university?
Usually, yes. Post-secondary education is considered a special expense. Parents are expected to contribute based on their means, usually after the child contributes a reasonable amount through student loans or part-time work.
Is child support tax deductible?
No. Child support payments are not tax-deductible for the person paying them, and they are not included as taxable income for the person receiving them.