Does child support end at the age of 18 in Ontario?
Not automatically. In Ontario, child support can continue after 18 if the child is still dependent on their parents. The two most common reasons are full-time post-secondary education and an illness or disability that prevents the child from becoming self-supporting. Support for an adult child is decided on the facts, and the amount is often calculated differently than for a minor.
Key points
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Turning 18 does not end child support. Dependency, not age, is the test.
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A child in full-time studies is usually supported until they finish a first degree or diploma, but there is no fixed cut-off.
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An adult child with a disability may be entitled to support for as long as they cannot support themselves, whether or not their parents were married.
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For an adult child, the court can depart from the table amount and look at the child's own means, needs and contribution.
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Support does not stop on its own. You need a written agreement or a court order to change or end it.
For how child support works generally, see our child support guide.
Who counts as a "child" after 18?
Which law applies depends on whether the parents were married and divorcing. The wording differs, but courts reach similar results under both. If the parents were married and are divorcing or divorced, the Divorce Act applies. Under s. 2(1), an adult child is covered if they are under their parents' charge but unable, because of illness, disability or other cause, to withdraw from that charge or obtain the necessaries of life. Courts treat full-time study as an "other cause" when the child is dependent because of school.
In all other cases, including unmarried parents, the Family Law Act applies. Under s. 31(1), a parent must support an unmarried child who is enrolled in a full-time program of education, or who cannot withdraw from the parents' charge because of illness, disability or other cause. There is no obligation to a child 16 or older who has withdrawn from parental control, or to a married child.
The age of majority in Ontario is 18. The Family Law Act was amended effective January 1, 2018 to add adult children who cannot support themselves because of illness or disability. Before that, it covered them only while in full-time school.
Do I have to pay support while my child is at university or college?
Usually, if the child is studying full time and is still dependent. Ontario courts often use a list of factors first set out in Farden v. Farden (B.C.S.C., 1993):
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whether the program is full time or part time;
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whether the child has applied for student loans, bursaries or scholarships;
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whether the child has a reasonable career or education plan;
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whether the child can contribute through summer or part-time work;
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the child's age and academic progress;
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what the parents planned for the child's education before separation; and
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whether an adult child has unilaterally ended their relationship with the paying parent.
No single factor decides the case. Support commonly ends when the child finishes a first degree or diploma, but courts have ordered support for a second program in some cases.
How much is support for a student over 18?
For a child 18 or older, s. 3(2) of the Child Support Guidelines gives the court two options:
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The table amount plus section 7 expenses, as if the child were under 18.
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If that is inappropriate, an amount the court considers appropriate, based on the child's condition, means, needs and other circumstances and each parent's ability to contribute.
The second option is common when a student lives away from home for most of the year or has significant income of their own. In Lewi v. Lewi (2006), the Ontario Court of Appeal confirmed that a student is generally expected to make a reasonable contribution to their own education from work, savings, scholarships or loans. Tuition, books and residence are then usually shared by the parents in proportion to income as section 7 expenses. RESP savings are also commonly taken into account.
See our article on section 7 expenses for how those costs are shared.
What about an adult child with a disability?
A parent can be required to support an adult child who cannot become self-supporting because of illness or disability. This applies under the Divorce Act and, since 2018, under the Family Law Act, so it no longer matters whether the parents were married. There may be no fixed end date if the child's needs are long-term.
The amount is usually set under s. 3(2)(b) of the Guidelines rather than the table. The court looks at the child's own income and benefits, such as Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) payments, the cost of care, and what each parent can afford. Support paid to a parent can affect a child's ODSP eligibility or amount, so the two need to be planned together. A Henson trust or RDSP may also be part of the conversation.
When does child support for an adult child end?
Support ends when the child is no longer dependent, for example when they finish school, stop studying full time, start working full time or marry. It does not end automatically on a date unless the order or agreement says so.
If you pay under a court order or a filed agreement, keep paying until it is changed. Stopping on your own can lead to arrears and enforcement by the Family Responsibility Office (FRO). Instead:
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Ask the other parent to agree in writing that support ends or changes, with the date.
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If they agree, file the agreement with the court or FRO as needed, or ask the court for a consent order.
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If they do not agree, bring a motion to change in the court that made the order.
The paying parent can also ask for proof that the child is enrolled and attending. Many agreements require the receiving parent to provide this each term.
Talk to a family lawyer about support for an adult child
If your child is turning 18, starting post-secondary school or has a disability, book a free 15-minute call about child support. The call covers the process, fees and next steps; it is not legal advice on your situation. Child support work is billed at $275 an hour plus HST or under a limited-scope retainer, with a written estimate first. We meet clients by phone or video, or in person at our North York office.
Book a free 15-minute call about child support · Call 416-858-1320
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Last reviewed: November 2, 2026
This page is general information about Ontario and federal law, not legal advice. Reading it or contacting us does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Laws and court fees change; check the date above.