When parents separate or divorce, they should try to agree on the amount of child support. You and the other parent may set up your own child support agreement. It is a good idea to put your agreement in writing and sign it. If you do this, there is less risk of a misunderstanding. It is also easier to enforce a written and signed agreement.
Here is a free professional, legally structured Child Support Agreement template for Ontario, consistent with the Family Law Act, the Divorce Act, and the Federal Child Support Guidelines.
Click the link below to download the PDF file.
This free template is suitable for separation agreements or standalone child support arrangements.
Note: This is just for sample purposes and we take no liability for the agreement.
CHILD SUPPORT AGREEMENT (ONTARIO)
This Child Support Agreement is made as of [DATE].
BETWEEN
[Full Legal Name of Parent 1]
Address: [Address]
City/Province/Postal Code: [_________]
(“Parent 1”)
AND
[Full Legal Name of Parent 2]
Address: [Address]
City/Province/Postal Code: [_________]
(“Parent 2”)
Collectively referred to as “the Parties.”
1. CHILDREN
The Parties are the parents of the following child(ren):
| Child’s Full Name | Date of Birth |
|---|---|
| [Name] | [DOB] |
| [Name] | [DOB] |
Each child is a “child of the marriage” or a dependent child within the meaning of applicable Ontario and Canadian law.
2. PURPOSE
The Parties wish to establish clear terms regarding child support in accordance with:
- the Family Law Act (Ontario);
- the Divorce Act (Canada) (if applicable); and
- the Federal Child Support Guidelines.
The Parties acknowledge that child support is the right of the child and not of either parent.
3. RESIDENCE AND PARENTING ARRANGEMENT
The child(ren) shall primarily reside with:
☐ Parent 1
☐ Parent 2
☐ Shared parenting arrangement (describe):
4. BASE CHILD SUPPORT
4.1 Payor Parent
The parent responsible for paying child support shall be:
☐ Parent 1
☐ Parent 2
(the “Payor Parent”).
4.2 Income
For child support purposes:
- Payor Parent annual income: $[amount]
- Recipient Parent annual income: $[amount]
Income shall be determined according to the Federal Child Support Guidelines.
4.3 Monthly Support Amount
The Payor Parent shall pay:
$[amount] per month
for the support of the child(ren), based on the applicable Guideline table amount.
Payments shall begin on [date] and continue on the [day] of each month thereafter.
5. METHOD OF PAYMENT
Payments shall be made by:
☐ E-transfer
☐ Direct deposit
☐ Through the Family Responsibility Office (FRO)
☐ Other: __________________
6. SPECIAL OR EXTRAORDINARY EXPENSES (SECTION 7 EXPENSES)
The Parties agree to share special or extraordinary expenses including:
- childcare expenses;
- medical/dental expenses not covered by insurance;
- educational expenses;
- extracurricular activities;
- post-secondary education expenses.
Cost Sharing
These expenses shall be shared:
☐ Proportionate to incomes
☐ Equally (50/50)
☐ Other arrangement:
Each Party shall provide receipts before reimbursement.
7. HEALTH AND DENTAL INSURANCE
Each Party shall maintain available insurance coverage for the child(ren) where reasonably available through employment or otherwise.
Uninsured expenses shall be shared as set out in Section 6.
8. ANNUAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Each Party shall exchange financial disclosure annually on or before [date], including:
- Income tax returns;
- Notices of Assessment/Reassessment;
- Proof of current income.
Child support shall be adjusted annually if required under the Guidelines.
9. REVIEW AND ADJUSTMENT
Child support shall be reviewed:
- annually; or
- upon a material change in circumstances, including:
- significant income change;
- change in parenting time;
- child reaching age of majority;
- educational or medical needs.
10. DURATION OF SUPPORT
Child support shall continue until each child:
- reaches age 18 and is no longer dependent, or
- remains entitled to support due to education, disability, or other recognized dependency under Ontario or Canadian law.
11. ARREARS
Any unpaid child support shall constitute enforceable arrears and may be filed with the Family Responsibility Office for enforcement.
12. TAX TREATMENT
The Parties acknowledge that:
- Child support payments are not taxable to the recipient.
- Child support payments are not tax-deductible to the payor.
13. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Before commencing court proceedings, the Parties agree to attempt:
- Good-faith negotiation; and
- Mediation with a mutually agreed mediator.
14. INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE
Each Party acknowledges that:
- they have had the opportunity to obtain independent legal advice;
- they understand the terms and consequences of this Agreement;
- they enter into this Agreement voluntarily.
15. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable therein.
16. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This document constitutes the entire agreement regarding child support between the Parties.
17. SIGNATURES
Signed at ____________________, Ontario.
Parent 1 Signature: _______________________
Name: _______________________
Date: _______________________
Parent 2 Signature: _______________________
Name: _______________________
Date: _______________________
Witness Signature: _______________________
Name: _______________________
Date: _______________________
✅ Optional (Recommended in Ontario):
- Attach Child Support Guideline calculation
- Attach last 3 years of tax returns
- Consider filing agreement with court for enforceability
Judges must base decisions about child support on child support guidelines. These are sets of rules and tables. The Federal Child Support Guidelines (Federal Guidelines) are regulations under the Divorce Act. There are also child support guidelines in provincial and territorial laws. The ones that apply to you depend on your situation. The Step-by-Step Guide will help you figure out which guidelines apply in your case.
This Guide also has other information to help you make decisions about child support. For example, it has information on how to calculate income to determine a child support amount. It also has information on some things you should consider to ensure that the child support amount is fair.
Most provincial and territorial child support guidelines are a lot like the Federal Guidelines. However, there may be some differences. To get information on provincial or territorial guidelines, contact the Ministry of Justice or Attorney General of that province or territory or check their website.
Where to get help
You are strongly encouraged to seek advice from a professional, such as a family law lawyer.
For example, we can help you:
- understand which guidelines apply to you
- use those guidelines to calculate a child support amount
- understand your legal rights and obligations
- understand your child’s rights and best interests
- provide the right documents if you go to court.