Child support obligations exist regardless of parents’ marital or relationship status

In Canada, the legal obligation to provide child support is based solely on being a biological or adoptive parent, not on the relationship between the parents. All parents have a legal duty to financially support their children, whether they were married, common-law partners, or never lived together.

The key factors that determine child support include:

• Biological or legal parent status – proven through birth registration, adoption, or DNA testing
• Income level – determines the amount of support according to federal guidelines
• Custody arrangement – affects how support payments are calculated
• Province or territory of residence – may impact specific rules and regulations

To establish child support, either parent can apply through their provincial court system or family justice services, regardless of their past or current relationship status.