On May 1, 1997 new laws respecting child support came into force, including Federal Child Support Guidelines and additional federal enforcement measures to help the provinces and territories ensure that family support obligations are respected. For additional information on the Federal Child Support Guidelines and their application, please visit the following links:

Latest news

• The Federal Child Support Guidelines have been amended. The new Guidelines will come into force on May 1, 2006. The amended Guidelines, new Tables and a new booklet will be available on this site in May 2006. In the meantime, to access the amended Federal Child Support Guidelines and specific information on the amendments, please visit the Canada Gazette Web Site.

About federal child support laws in Canada

Ten things you need to know
Gives general information, including answers to frequently asked questions.

Eight steps to calculating child support
How to use the Federal Child Support Guidelines.

Enforcement of support orders
A overview of the Canadian system of support enforcement, links to provincial and territorial maintenance enforcement programs and information on international enforcement and interjurisdictional legislation.

Laws and regulations
The Divorce Act, the Federal Child Support Guidelines, a list of selected case law and other federal laws concerning child support.

Links to related sites
Includes provincial and territorial child support programs, custody and access information and the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.

Publications
Includes workbooks, simplified tables, research reports and background information.