The basic child-support table amount is only one part of some families' support arrangements. Section 7 of the Federal Child Support Guidelines permits amounts for specified special or extraordinary expenses when the legal requirements are met. Not every child-related cost automatically qualifies, and the calculation usually starts with the expense's net cost rather than the invoice alone.
Begin with the legal categories
The Guidelines identify categories that can include employment-related child care, the child-related portion of medical or dental insurance premiums, certain uninsured health expenses, post-secondary education, and qualifying extraordinary education or extracurricular costs. The expense must also be necessary in the child's best interests and reasonable in relation to the means of the parents and child and the family's spending pattern before separation.
Do not label every activity extraordinary
Education and extracurricular costs receive additional scrutiny. An expense may be extraordinary because it exceeds what a parent can reasonably cover from income and support, or because its nature, number, overall cost, the child's needs or talents and other relevant circumstances make it extraordinary. Registration in an activity does not settle the legal question by itself.
Calculate the net cost
Collect invoices, receipts, insurance statements and information about subsidies, benefits, reimbursements and available tax deductions or credits. Section 7 requires these amounts and eligibility to be considered. A clear worksheet showing the gross cost, deductions and remaining annual or monthly cost helps avoid comparing different numbers.
Compare incomes and proposed shares
As a general rule, parents share the determined amount in proportion to their incomes, although an agreement or order and the circumstances may produce a different result. Use current, reliable income information and identify which year's figures are being used. If income is disputed or changing, obtain advice before treating a percentage as final.
Set a process for decisions and reimbursement
A practical agreement can address advance notice, consultation or consent, urgent expenses, documents to exchange, reimbursement deadlines and payment to the provider. Keep the child's interests central and avoid vague wording that leaves the expense, amount or payment date uncertain. Department of Justice guidance notes that specificity can also matter for enforcement.
Bring an organized schedule to legal advice
Prepare one table for each child showing the expense, purpose, provider, dates, gross amount, reimbursements, net amount, proposed share, payment history and any disagreement. Include the existing agreement or order and recent income disclosure. A lawyer can then assess the wording, evidence and legal framework for the family's actual circumstances.
Questions about your own situation? The documents, dates and facts matter. Meysami Law Professional Corp. assists clients in Ottawa with family law matters.
Child support and income disclosure in Ontario →
Ontario separation agreement checklist →
Parenting plan after separation →
Family law services →
Contact the Ottawa office →
Official Resources
Justice Canada: Federal Child Support Guidelines, section 7 · Justice Canada: Step 7 — special or extraordinary expenses · Justice Canada: Worksheet 2
This article is general information as of October 8, 2026, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and circumstances can change. Contacting the firm does not create a lawyer-client relationship.