Family Law – Child Support

Effective November 22, 2017, the Federal Child Support Guidelines Child Support Table has been updated to account for tax and other changes since the previous Child Support Table came into effect on December 31, 2011.

The minimum gross annual income at which the Child Support Table applies has been increased from $10,820.00 under the 2011 Table to $12,000.00 under the 2017 Table.  As a result, the Table no longer specifies a child support amount for payors living in British Columbia with an annual income of $11,999.00 or less.

For child support payors living in British Columbia with an annual income of between $12,100.00 and approximately $27,000.00 (depending on the number of children for which support is being paid), specified child support has decreased under the 2017 Table.

For child support payors living in British Columbia with an annual income exceeding approximately $27,000.00, specified child support has increased under the 2017 Table.

The maximum annual income for which child support is specified for remains unchanged at $150,000.00.  Beyond that income, there is a formula upon which child support is based.

For example, a payor living in British Columbia with an annual income of $17,000.00 paying child support for one child will now pay $111.00 per month under the 2017 Table as opposed to $133.00 per month under the 2011 Table. A payor living in British Columbia with an annual income of $75,000.00 paying child support for 3 children will now pay $1,522.00 per month under the 2017 Table as opposed to $1,483.00 per month under the 2011 Table.

The changes to the Table are relatively minor, however, over a number of months or years may add up. If you are required to pay child support, or receive child support as a result of an order made prior to November 22, 2017, we would encourage you to consult with a lawyer to ensure that a child support underpayment, or overpayment does not accumulate.

If you would like to book an appointment with any of our family law lawyers, namely Kathleen Sugiyama, Christopher Murphy or Nathan Seaward, please contact Heath Law at 250-753-2202.