When parents separate, one of the first things they should think about is child support. Child support is the money one parent pays the other for the financial needs of their child or children.

Children need the financial support of both parents because it gives them a better chance of succeeding. They also have a right to it by law. The laws on child support in Canada and in Quebec are based on the principle that even though parents have separated or divorced, children should continue to benefit from the financial support of both parents, just as they did when the parents were still together.

The information in this section explains parents’ responsibilities regarding child support. It describes how to figure out what a parent should pay or expect to receive, and gives resources to help calculate child support payments. You will also find links to services that can help you and other types of resources.