How is child support calculated in Quebec?

Quebec uses the Quebec Model to calculate child support. Both parents' disposable incomes are considered to determine the basic parental contribution, which is then split proportionally.

What triggers the shared custody adjustment in Quebec?

When each parent has the child at least 40% of the time (approximately 146 days/year), a set-off calculation applies. Both parents' table amounts are calculated and the higher-income parent pays the difference.

Can child support be modified in Quebec?

Yes. A significant change in circumstances — substantial income change, change in custody arrangements, or change in the child's needs — can justify a variation. You apply to the Quebec court to vary the existing order.

QuebecQuebec ModelSection 7 ExpensesFree · 2026

Quebec Child Support Calculator 2026

Estimate monthly child support in Quebec using the Quebec Model. Considers both parents' disposable income, custody time, and special expenses.

1Enter both parents' income

2Set number of children & custody %

3Add Section 7 expenses (optional)

By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026

Estimates only — not legal advice. Courts make final determinations. Consult a family law attorney.

Child Support Calculator

Enter details to estimate payments

1Location

Country

Province

Quebec uses its own Child Support Determination Model.

2Number of Children

child

3Gross Monthly Income

Parent A

CA$

Self-employed

Parent B

CA$

Self-employed

4Parenting Time

A70%·B30%

Parent A's custody %. Parent B calculated automatically.

5Who Pays Support?

Parent A

Pays support

Parent B

Pays support

Quebec · Quebec Model

Estimated Child Support

$213

per month

$2,556

per year

Parent B pays·1 child·7.1% of payer income·Combined $8,000/mo

Weekly

$49

Biweekly

$98

Monthly

$213

Annual

$2,556

Income & custody split

Parent A — $5,000/mo62.5%

Parent B — $3,000/mo37.5%

Parent A custodyParent B custody

70%30%

Calculation breakdown

Base Support$213

Monthly Support$213

Typical range$181 – $245

Guideline: Règlement sur la fixation des pensions alimentaires pour enfants (Quebec Child Support Determination Model)

Updated: January 2026 · Official source

Recalculate if income changes by about 15–20% or more.

Shared custody can lower the paying parent's obligation.

This is an estimate only — courts make the final order.

Child support is generally not tax deductible or taxable income.

Add-ons like childcare, insurance, or medical costs can raise the total.

High-income cases above guideline caps often use court discretion.

Verify amounts with the official calculator for your location.

Consider a family law professional before relying on any estimate.

Estimate only — not a court order.

Quebec child support — key facts

FormulaQuebec Model
Shared custody threshold40% of time (≈146 days/yr)
Section 7 expensesSplit proportionally by income
Guideline referenceRèglement sur la fixation des pensions alimentaires pour enfants (Quebec Child Support Determination Model)
CurrencyCanadian dollar (CAD)

Example: $5,000 + $3,000 income, 2 kids, 70/30 custody

Combined income$8,000

Parent A share62.5%

Parent B share37.5%

Monthly support$342

Annual support$4,104

Estimate only. Excludes Section 7 special expenses.

Other provinces & territories

Alberta British Columbia Manitoba New Brunswick Newfoundland and Labrador Northwest Territories Nova Scotia Nunavut Ontario Prince Edward Island Saskatchewan Yukon

Canada overview

How child support is calculated in Quebec

Quebec operates under its own child support model, separate from the Federal Child Support Guidelines used in every other province. The key structural difference: both parents' incomes matter from the start. After deducting federal and provincial taxes, CPP, EI, and union dues from each parent's gross income, you arrive at disposable income. The combined parental contribution is looked up in Quebec's tables, then split proportionally.

1Calculate both parents' disposable income (gross minus taxes & deductions)

2Determine the basic parental contribution from Quebec tables

3Allocate proportionally: each parent pays their % of combined income

4Adjust for custody time arrangements (40%+ threshold applies)

5Add special expenses (equivalent to Section 7), split proportionally

Section 7 expenses in Quebec

Section 7 (or equivalent special) expenses sit on top of the base support amount and can add a significant sum. In Quebec, these are shared between parents in proportion to their incomes — the parent earning 60% of combined income covers 60% of agreed Section 7 expenses.

Childcare (daycare, after-school, nanny)

Child's share of health/dental insurance

Medical/dental costs over $100/year

Orthodontics, glasses, therapy

Extraordinary extracurriculars (sports, music)

Private school or tutoring

Post-secondary education costs

Summer camps (educational component)

Frequently asked questions — Quebec

Quebec uses its own model. Both parents' disposable incomes are calculated (gross minus taxes and deductions). The basic parental contribution is looked up in Quebec tables and split proportionally by each parent's share of combined income.

Both parents' disposable income, number of children, custody/parenting time, and special expenses all factor in. Quebec's formula is more bilateral than the federal approach.

When each parent has the child at least 40% of the time (approximately 146 days/year), a set-off approach applies. Both parents' table amounts are calculated and the higher-income parent pays the difference. Courts have discretion to consider the actual increased costs of maintaining two homes for the child.

Yes. A significant change in circumstances — typically a 10%+ change in income, change in custody, or change in the child's needs — can support a variation application. Some provinces also have administrative recalculation programs that update amounts annually using filed tax returns.

In Quebec, support typically continues until the child reaches 18. However, it can extend for a child in full-time post-secondary education, with a disability, or otherwise unable to become self-supporting.

Official sources — Quebec

Guideline reference: Règlement sur la fixation des pensions alimentaires pour enfants (Quebec Child Support Determination Model)

Legal disclaimer: This Quebec child support calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Courts make final determinations. Always verify with official government tools and consult a family law professional in Quebec.