Does Child Support in Ontario Include Extracurricular Activities?
You’re juggling pickup schedules, dinner on the go, and finding the one lost ballet shoe, again. You’re doing your best to keep your child’s world steady post-separation. But what happens when that world includes expensive extracurriculars? Who pays for soccer cleats, tournament fees, or music recitals?
Does child support in Ontario include extracurricular activities? Or is this a separate conversation entirely?
The answer—like most parenting things—isn’t one-size-fits-all. But there is clarity in the law. And the more you know, the easier it is to co-parent without conflict.
Let’s unpack it.
Understanding Ontario Child Support Basics
In Ontario, child support is based on the Federal Child Support Guidelines. These guidelines set out how much one parent pays the other to help cover a child’s basic needs. The amount of child support is usually based on the paying parent’s income and the number of children.
Basic child support is meant to cover everyday living costs such as food, clothing, and housing. It provides a foundation for children’s needs but does not always address additional expenses that can come up as they grow.
This is where Section 7 expenses come in. These special or extraordinary costs may include extracurricular activities, which are considered separately from standard child support.
Learn more about the child support guidelines in Ontario and how they may apply to your situation.
What Are Section 7 Expenses?
In Ontario, not all costs are covered by paying basic child support. Some expenses are classified as “special or extraordinary” and are handled separately. These are known as Section 7 expenses under the Child Support Guidelines.
Section 7 expenses can include things like medical or dental costs not covered by insurance, childcare expenses, post-secondary education, and extracurricular activities. Parents usually share these costs in proportion to their incomes, so each contributes fairly.
When parents ask, “Does child support cover extracurricular activities?”, the answer often depends on the type of expense. It can be ordinary or extraordinary. For example, a casual recreational activity may not qualify, but a competitive sport with higher fees often will.
Extracurricular Activities and Child Support in Ontario
Extracurricular activities can be a grey area in child support. Some are considered ordinary expenses, while others qualify as extraordinary under Section 7.
Here are some examples of how activities are often viewed:
- Extraordinary expenses: competitive sports teams with high fees, private music or art lessons, specialized training, or programs that involve significant travel or equipment costs.
When an activity is treated as extraordinary, both parents typically share the costs in proportion to their annual incomes. This ensures fairness while supporting the child’s opportunities.
For more detail, visit our page on Section 7 expenses.
Resolving Disagreements About Extracurricular Costs
Even with clear guidelines, parents do not always agree on extracurricular activities. Common disagreements include:
- Cost concerns: one parent may feel the expense is too high or unnecessary.
- Time commitments: balancing practices, games, or rehearsals with parenting schedules can be challenging.
- Choice of activity: parents may have different opinions on which activities are in the child’s best interest.
When these issues arise, there are ways to find resolution:
- Revisit your agreement: review what was originally set out in your parenting plan or separation agreement.
- Try mediation: mediation services give parents a neutral space to work toward compromise.
- Seek legal guidance: in some cases, modifying your custody or support arrangements may be the best path forward.
Moving Forward with Clear Support Arrangements
Extracurricular activities can help a child grow. However, they also raise questions about how to share costs. In Ontario, basic child support pays for daily needs. Some activities may be Section 7 expenses and shared by parents.
By clearly stating these responsibilities ahead of time, families can reduce conflict. This helps children enjoy their activities more. If you have questions about Ontario child support or extracurricular costs, our family lawyers can help provide clear guidance.