CanadaDoes child support end when my child turns 18?
No, child support does not automatically end at age 18 in Canada — it continues if the child remains dependent, such as due to full-time studies, illness, or disability.
What the Law Says
The federal Divorce Act does not set a fixed age when child support ends. Instead, support continues as long as the child meets the legal definition of a 'child of the marriage' — which includes adult children who are unable to withdraw from their parents’ care due to reasons like education, illness, or disability.
Under the Divorce Act, child support is based on need and dependency — not just age. The Act prioritizes child support over spousal support when both are claimed, reinforcing its importance.
Because the Divorce Act applies only to married spouses getting divorced, most child support matters for unmarried parents fall under provincial family law statutes (e.g., BC’s Family Law Act or Ontario’s Family Law Act). Those laws define 'child' similarly — often extending support beyond age 18 if dependency continues.
Statutory TextWhere both child and spousal support are claimed, the court shall give priority to child support.
— Divorce Act, s. 15.3 — Child support priority
What Courts Have Said
Courts have confirmed that adult children may seek child support — including retroactively — if they remain dependent. This reflects the principle that support obligations are tied to need and capacity, not calendar age.
The SCC held that an adult child who is still dependent — for example, due to pursuing post-secondary education — has standing to apply for retroactive child support under provincial family law, affirming that age alone does not terminate entitlement.
What to Do
Review your provincial family law act to confirm how 'child' and 'dependency' are defined.
If your child is over 18 but in full-time post-secondary studies or has a disability, support may continue.
Keep records of expenses, enrollment, and communications about support.
If disagreement arises, consult a family lawyer — courts assess dependency case-by-case.
An adult child may apply for support directly in some provinces, depending on local rules.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.