Both parents are legally responsible to financially support children to the best of their ability and according to the child’s need until the child reaches the age of majority. That responsibility continues past the age of majority if the child is enrolled, for example, in a full-time education program at a university or college.

Parents are not financially responsible for a child who reaches the age of 16 and withdraws from parental control (moves to their own apartment, for instance).

Under the federal Divorce Act, child is defined as a child of the marriage, or a child of two spouses or former spouses who is under the age of majority, and who has not withdrawn from his/her parents’ charge. A person who has reached the age of majority, or is older, also may be considered a child for child support purposes if they are unable because of illness, disability, or other cause such as being enrolled in post-secondary education, to withdraw from under the parents’ charge and obtain the necessaries of life.

This doesn’t mean to say parents must give children everything they ask for — only what they need and what the parent can reasonably afford.

For more information, refer to the Child and Spousal Support section of Family Law.

								
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