Determination of child support

On May 1, 1997, Québec introduced a standard method for determining child-support payments. Precise and objective rules take into account the needs of the child, the income earned by both parents and the custody arrangements. There are tables for determining the basic financial contribution to be made by each of the parents.

The new method does not apply to child support awarded before May 1, 1997, unless the amount of support is revised after that date. Any judgment handed down on or after May 1, 1997, that awards both child support and spousal support must distinguish the amount payable for the benefit of the children from the amount payable for the benefit of the former spouse.

For further information, consult the Web site of the Ministère de la Justice.