Quebec Child Support Laws (2026 Guide)

Quebec operates under a unique child support model that differs significantly from the Federal Guidelines used in other provinces. The Quebec Model for the Determination of Child Support applies to all parents seeking support in the province, regardless of whether they are married, civil union partners, or de facto spouses.

The Quebec Model Explained

Unlike other provinces that look primarily at the payor’s income, Quebec considers the income of both parents. The philosophy is that children should benefit from the combined financial resources of their parents, just as they would if the family were intact.

The key document is the Child Support Determination Form (Schedule I). This mandatory form calculates the contribution required from each parent.

How Support is Calculated

The calculation involves several distinct steps:

1. Determine Gross Income: Calculate the gross annual income of both parents.
2. Calculate Disposable Income: Deduct a “basic personal amount” (exemptions for basic needs) from each parent’s gross income.
3. Combined Disposable Income: Add the two amounts together.
4. Basic Parental Contribution: Use the government table to find the cost of raising the child(ren) based on this combined income.
5. Prorate: Divide this cost between the parents in proportion to their disposable incomes.
6. Custody Adjustment: Adjust the amount based on custody time (sole, shared, or visiting rights).

Because both incomes are variables, a significant change in either parent’s financial situation can change the support payments.

Special Expenses

Similar to “Section 7” expenses elsewhere, Quebec allows for net special expenses to be added to the basic contribution. These are shared in proportion to income (after deducting the basic exemption) and include:

• Childcare fees (net of tax credits).
• Post-secondary education costs.
• Special remedial education.
• Medical expenses not covered by RAMQ or insurance.

When Federal Laws Apply

The Quebec model applies in the vast majority of cases. However, the Federal Child Support Guidelines may apply if:

• You are obtaining a divorce AND
• One parent lives outside of Quebec.

Even in these cases, courts often apply the Quebec tables if both parents agree or if the child resides primarily in Quebec.

Modification and Indexation

Indexation: By law, child support judgments in Quebec are indexed annually on January 1st to reflect the cost of living. This happens automatically unless the court orders otherwise.

Modification: Parents can use the SARPA (Service administratif de rajustement des pensions alimentaires pour enfants) to recalculate support administratively without going to court. This is a cheaper and faster option for simple income changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the Quebec model apply to unmarried parents?

Yes. In Quebec, the obligation to support a child is identical for married, civil union, and common-law (de facto) spouses.

2. What constitutes “shared custody” for calculation purposes?

Shared custody exists when each parent has the child between 40% and 60% of the time. This significantly impacts the calculation, often reducing the cash transfer required.

3. How are childcare costs handled?

Quebec has subsidized childcare. When calculating special expenses for private care, you must deduct the tax credit for childcare expenses to find the “net” cost before splitting it.

4. Can I stop paying if my ex remarries?

No. The support is the right of the child. The new partner’s income generally does not affect the biological parents’ obligation unless it causes “undue hardship.”

5. Is the support tax-deductible in Quebec?

For provincial tax purposes (Revenu Québec), support payments are generally tax-neutral (not deductible/not taxable) for orders after May 1, 1997. However, federal rules also apply for CRA returns. Always consult a tax professional.