Child support in Canada is an intricate process that is dually focused. It entails the monthly table amount intended to address everyday living expenses of a child, and it also includes an optional additional amount for special or extraordinary expenses, which are defined by Section 7 of the Child Support Guidelines. These Special or Extraordinary Expenses, often referred to as s. 7 expenses, vary significantly per family and are therefore not included in the table amounts. This blog post aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the who, what, when, where, and why of s. 7 expenses, offering crucial insights for both parents and legal practitioners in this field.

Parenting involves a myriad of complexities and responsibilities. Among these, managing child support for a child's extracurricular activities is a task that can be both intricate and perplexing. This demands a thorough understanding of the Child Support Guidelines along with the distinct types of expenses that may arise in the process. This comprehensive guide has been designed to shed light on the key aspects of these guidelines, with a particular emphasis on the interpretation of the terms "Extraordinary" expenses and "Necessity" in this specific context..

In the multifaceted world of child support, a recurring question arises concerning the obligation of parents to financially assist their adult children who have chosen to pursue post-secondary education. This is a complex issue, as it is largely contingent on a diverse range of factors that courts take into consideration when making an equitable determination.

In the world of child support, Section 7 expenses hold a significant position. These are also known as 'special or extraordinary expenses' and they can be added to basic child support if they fulfill the criteria of necessity and reasonableness. These costs are usually associated with childcare expenses that occur due to the custodial parent's employment, illness or disability, or training for employment. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of Section 7 expenses and understand their importance.

In child support cases, health and medical expenses are often considered special or extraordinary expenses. However, the term "extraordinary" might be misleading as these expenses do not necessarily have to be unusual or rare to qualify as an additional payment under section 7 of the Child Support Guidelines. The requirement is that they need to be reasonable and necessary in relation to the child's health and wellbeing.

This provision opens up a broad range of expenses that could potentially be claimed under this section. For instance, dental and vision care costs - including orthodontics and prescription glasses or contact lenses - are among the most commonly claimed health-related expenses. Other eligible costs can include various forms of therapy such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and professional counselling. Prescription drugs and specific expenses related to special needs services may also be eligible under section 7.

Child support is a subject that often brings to mind images of young children receiving financial assistance from their parents. However, the reality is that adult children, especially those who are still in the process of completing their post-secondary education, may also be in need of financial aid. Despite living independently, these adult children frequently require assistance in covering essential expenses. These expenses encompass tuition fees, costs of textbooks and other study materials, housing costs, meal expenses, and transportation fees, which are collectively referred to as "section 7 expenses".

An expense for primary or secondary school education is considered "extraordinary" if it surpasses what the party requesting the contribution can reasonably afford, based on their income and the table amount of support received. However, even if the party can afford it, the court may still deem the expense as extraordinary. This depends on multiple factors such as the nature and number of the educational program and extracurricular activities, special needs and talents of the child, and the overall cost of the program and activities.