What Does Child Support Cover in Alberta? A Breakdown of Core and Additional Expenses
- Shayla Domin
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
In Alberta, child support is more than just a financial agreement, it's a legal right that belongs to the child. Under the Federal Child Support Guidelines, parents are required to contribute to their child’s upbringing, ensuring their financial needs are met after separation.
The Legal Role of Child Support
When parents part ways, the financial responsibilities toward their children do not go away. The law is clear: both parents must contribute fairly to their child’s well-being. The Federal Child Support Guidelines outline how much support is owed and what it should cover, splitting expenses into three categories:
Standard/basic expenses (Section 3)
Special or extraordinary expenses (Section 7)
Shared parenting time (Section 9)
These guidelines aim to ensure children maintain a consistent standard of living across both households.
Section 3 (Basic) Expenses?
Section 3 expenses refer to the everyday costs of raising a child. These are built into the standard monthly support payment, which is calculated based on the number of children and the paying parent’s annual income.
Basic expenses include:
Food and groceries;
Housing;
Clothing;
Basic school supplies;
Transportation; and
Basic daily needs.
Section 7 (Extraordinary) Expenses?
Section 7 expenses cover additional costs that go beyond a child’s basic needs. These are often one-off or irregular costs, and both parents usually share them in proportion to their incomes.
These might include:
Childcare services such as daycare or after-school care;
Health and dental insurance premiums;
Uninsured medical expenses such as orthodontics, physiotherapy, counselling or medications;
Post-secondary education such as tuition, books, living expenses; and
Extracurricular activities such as sports, music lessons, camps, tutoring.
For example, if one parent earns 70% of the combined income between the parties, they are responsible for 70% of Section 7 costs. The other parent would cover the remaining 30%.
Section 9 (Shared Parenting)
Section 9 support is calculated based on parents who share parenting time. A shared parenting arrangement is defined as one where each parent has the children at least 40% but not more than 60% of the time. In these situations, courts consider three key factors when determining how much child support should be paid:
The difference between what each parent would owe the other if one had primary care of the children (meaning more than 60% of parenting time);
Whether there are extra costs tied specifically to the shared arrangement, such as duplication of housing, clothing, or transportation; and
The financial circumstances and needs of both parents and the children to ensure the outcome is fair and in the best interests of the children.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what child support covers is essential for separated parents in Alberta. From day-to-day essentials to more costly special expenses, the support framework exists to ensure children are cared for financially, regardless of their parents’ relationship status.
If you are uncertain about your obligations or need help calculating child support, our lawyers at Stokes Law LLP can provide clarity and help protect your child’s best interests.
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