Courts rarely order zero child support as parents have a legal obligation to financially support their children

Under Canadian family law, child support is a fundamental right of the child and courts are extremely reluctant to waive this obligation. Only in exceptional circumstances might a court order no child support, such as:

  • When the child has become financially independent
  • If both parents share exactly equal custody and have identical incomes
  • When a child has been legally adopted by another person
  • If parental rights have been formally terminated by the court

Even in cases of shared custody or when children’s immediate needs appear met, courts typically still mandate some level of financial contribution from both parents. This ensures children maintain their standard of living and have adequate financial support for their development and well-being.