The Impact of Post-Secondary Education on Child Support Obligations in Ontario

Apr 30, 2025

Many divorced parents wonder: Does child support end when a child turns 18? The answer isn’t always clear, especially when that child heads off to college or university. If you’re navigating child support and post-secondary education in Ontario, you may feel overwhelmed by questions about what you’re responsible for and how long those responsibilities last.

What if your child moves away for school, takes a gap year, or switches programs? These scenarios bring real-world complications that can affect financial obligations.

In this post, we will clarify the top questions, including how child support and post-secondary education in Ontario are treated under the law. You will also learn what adult child support means and how you can apply for or respond to a motion to change child support in Ontario.

Understanding this information can help you make better decisions and prepare for what’s ahead.

What Is Adult Child Support?

Adult child support applies when a child is over the age of 18 but is still considered a dependent because of education, disability, or illness. When it comes to post-secondary education, support generally applies if the child is:

Enrolled in full-time studies at a college, university, or vocational school
Living at home or away from home for school, but still reliant on parental support
Taking a recognized gap year or participating in co-op or internship programs tied to their education
Attending school with reasonable diligence, and are expected to complete their program
Pursuing a second degree or diploma, depending on circumstances
Temporarily unemployed or living at home between school terms

The key factor is whether the child remains dependent and whether the education is reasonable and aligned with their career goals.

Child Support and Post-Secondary Education in Ontario: What The Law Says

Child support in Ontario is governed by the Federal Child Support Guidelines under the Divorce Act and by Ontario’s Family Law Act for unmarried parents. These laws acknowledge that, in some cases, financial support for children may not end at age 18 if the child is enrolled in post-secondary education and still dependent on their parents.

According to the Department of Justice Canada, child support can continue for adult children under certain conditions, especially if they’re enrolled full-time in a recognized program of study.

Courts in Ontario generally consider post-secondary education a legitimate expense that child support should help cover. It’s expected that both parents contribute in proportion to their income, often following the Section 7 special or extraordinary expenses of the Federal Guidelines. This can include:

Tuition
Books and supplies
Transportation
Residence and meal plans
Health insurance

However, this doesn’t mean that support continues indefinitely. Judges consider each case on its specific facts.

How Courts Assess Support for Post-Secondary Students

Ontario courts take a fair approach when reviewing child support for post-secondary students. They look at several factors, including:

The child’s age and level of education
Whether the child has a reasonable plan for their education
Whether they are attending full-time
Whether the child is contributing through loans, scholarships, or part-time work
The parents’ income, financial resources, and ability to pay
Whether the parents were saving for post-secondary education

Support may be reduced or shared when a child is living away from home during the school year. Some judges will even split the obligation to contribute to the child’s post-secondary expenses three ways, between the child and both parents, based on income.

The presence of RESPs (Registered Education Savings Plans) can also be factored into the calculation, especially if both parents contributed during the marriage or relationship.

Motion to Change Child Support in Ontario

If your child support arrangement doesn’t reflect the current situation — whether that’s due to post-secondary enrolment or a change in financial circumstances — you may need to bring a motion to change child support in Ontario.

This is a legal process where either parent can apply to:

Increase or decrease the amount of child support
Add or remove special expenses (like tuition or residence)
End support entirely if the child is no longer dependent

You can file a motion to change if you and the other parent don’t agree on the changes. If you both agree, you can file a consent motion to change, which simplifies the process.

Getting legal advice is strongly recommended, especially for complex cases involving multiple children, blended families, or fluctuating incomes.

How Many Years of Post-Secondary Support Cover?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some support orders end after a first degree, while others may extend into graduate studies, depending on:

The family’s financial situation
The child’s academic performance
The field of study (e.g., law or medicine may require more schooling)
Whether the child is still reasonably dependent

In many cases, courts expect children to transition into financial independence by their mid-20s. However, in blended families or where one parent can afford more, support may continue longer.

What Happens if the Child Drops Out or Fails?

Sometimes a child will drop out or fail, resulting in their dependency status being challenged. Courts often evaluate whether the child is taking school seriously and making reasonable progress. If not, support may be reduced or terminated.

That’s why communication between parents and between parents and children is key. Any big change in the child’s situation should be documented and shared, especially if you plan to request or oppose a change to support obligations.

Stay Informed And Get Legal Support From Kelly D. Jordan Family Law

Child support and post-secondary education in Ontario is a topic filled with nuance. You may be the parent footing the bill or wondering if support should continue. Knowing your rights and responsibilities makes a difference.

Start by reviewing your existing court order or separation agreement. Is there language that outlines post-secondary education expenses? Has your child’s situation changed significantly? Are both parents contributing fairly?

If you think a change is needed, consider speaking with a family law professional. At Kelly D. Jordan Family Law, we can help you understand your options and guide you through the next steps. Family law lawyer Kelly D Jordan can provide you with the legal guidance and support you need, whether that’s updating your agreement, filing a motion to change child support in Ontario, or simply clarifying your obligations.

If you need legal advice regarding child custody, contact us online or call our Toronto offices at 416-849-5501 to schedule a consultation. Let us provide you with the guidance and representation you need.