Child Support Other Than Table Options

While the Table Amount is the standard way to calculate child support, there are situations where parents may agree to child support arrangements that differ from the Table Guidelines. These alternative options may be based on special circumstances or unique financial or personal needs. Let’s break down each option.

1. Table (Standard Table Amount)

The Table Amount is the standard child support payment calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines or Ontario Child Support Guidelines. It is based on the payor's income and the number of children. This is the default option and provides a consistent, predictable method for calculating child support.

How It Works:

• The payor’s gross annual income and the number of children are used to determine the monthly child support payment from a set table.
• This option is widely accepted and legally required unless parents agree to deviate for specific reasons.

Why Choose It:

• It provides clarity and consistency, ensuring that the child receives financial support based on standard guidelines.
• It simplifies the process, avoiding disputes over the amount of support.

2. Over the Age of Majority

Child support does not always end when a child reaches the age of majority (18 years old in most provinces). Support can continue if the child is still dependent, such as while attending post-secondary education or if they have a disability that requires ongoing care.

How It Works:

• Child support can be extended beyond 18 years if the child is pursuing full-time education (e.g., college or university), or if they have special needs that prevent them from becoming financially independent.
• The amount of support may be adjusted based on the specific costs associated with post-secondary education or the child's ongoing care needs.

Why Choose It:

• This option ensures that children who are still financially dependent (e.g., students or those with disabilities) continue to receive support.
• It provides flexibility in cases where the child’s financial needs don’t end at 18, which is often the case for those pursuing higher education.

Considerations:

• Parents will need to consider the specific costs of supporting a child through post-secondary education, such as tuition, housing, and other expenses.
• It’s important to revisit the agreement as the child’s needs change, especially if they eventually become financially independent.

3. Less Than Table

In some cases, parents may agree to pay Less Than the Table Amount. This can occur if both parents agree that the Table Amount is not appropriate for their financial situation or if the child’s needs are already being met in other ways.

How It Works:

• Both parents must agree, and the court may need to approve the arrangement to ensure it’s in the best interests of the child.
• This might be suitable if both parents have roughly equal incomes and share parenting responsibilities equally, or if there are other financial arrangements in place (e.g., paying for specific expenses like schooling or healthcare directly).

Why Choose It:

• This option works when both parents feel that the Table Amount doesn’t reflect their unique situation, such as if the child’s financial needs are already being covered in other ways.
• It allows for flexibility, especially in cases where both parents share parenting duties and financial responsibilities equally.

Considerations:

• Choosing to pay less than the Table Amount should be carefully considered, as it may be subject to scrutiny by the courts to ensure the child’s needs are still being met.
• Mediators should ensure that both parties fully understand the implications and that the agreement is in the best interest of the child.

4. More Than Table

Conversely, parents can agree to pay More Than the Table Amount if they feel that the standard amount is not sufficient to meet the child’s needs. This may happen in cases where the payor has a high income or where the child has extraordinary expenses (e.g., medical or educational needs).

How It Works:

• The payor voluntarily agrees to pay more than the Table Amount to cover additional costs related to the child’s upbringing, such as private school tuition, medical expenses, or extracurricular activities.
• This can be done through regular child support payments or by agreeing to cover specific costs as they arise.

Why Choose It:

• This option ensures that the child’s financial needs are fully met, especially in cases where the Table Amount isn’t enough due to special circumstances (e.g., the child has high medical costs, or the family has a high standard of living).
• It reflects the parents’ willingness to go above and beyond to provide for their child’s needs.

Considerations:

• Mediators should guide parents in determining how much more should be paid and ensure that the agreement is clear about what the extra support will cover.
• The agreement should specify whether the extra support is for ongoing expenses or specific, one-time costs.

When to Recommend Each Option:

1. Table Amount:

   • Ideal for most cases where both parents want a clear, legally supported calculation.
   • Works well for straightforward financial situations without extraordinary expenses.

2. Over the Age of Majority:

   • Recommended when the child is attending post-secondary education or has special needs requiring ongoing support.
   • Helps cover education costs and ensures the child remains financially supported.

3. Less Than Table:

   • Suitable when parents agree that the Table Amount is unnecessary due to equal income, shared parenting, or other financial arrangements.
   • Offers flexibility when the child’s needs are already being met through other means.

4. More Than Table:

   • Recommended when the child has additional financial needs that the Table Amount doesn’t cover, such as private schooling, medical expenses, or when one parent has a significantly higher income.
   • Ensures the child’s standard of living and needs are fully supported.

Conclusion

Child Support Other Than Table Options allow parents to customize their child support arrangements based on the unique needs of their family. Whether it’s paying the standard Table Amount, extending support past the age of majority, or adjusting the amount to reflect special circumstances, these options provide flexibility while keeping the child’s best interests at the forefront.