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How is Child Support Calculated in Alberta? A Self-Rep’s Guide

  • Jamie-Lee Denton
  • Apr 16
  • 3 min read

Photo Cred: Wix
Photo Cred: Wix


Child support can be one of the toughest issues to sort out when parents separate in Alberta. And if you’re representing yourself, terms like Federal Guidelines, Section 7 expenses, or imputed income can feel overwhelming. But they don’t have to be. With the right guidance, these concepts become much easier to understand and work through. Alberta uses the Federal Child Support Guidelines as its compass through murky financial water. The guideline establishes fair, standardized payments based on:


  • The paying parent's income

  • The number of children

  • The parenting time arrangement

  • Any special expenses


This guide will walk you through each element of the calculation, provide real-world examples, and point you to free resources that can help. By the end, you'll understand:


✔ Exactly how basic child support amounts are determined

✔ What counts as income (and what doesn't)

✔ How to calculate shared expenses like daycare or sports

✔ What to do if your situation changes


The Basic Child Support Calculation


How the Federal Guidelines Work


The heart of Alberta's system is the Federal Child Support Tables. These provide set child support amounts based on:


  • The paying parent's gross annual income (before taxes)

  • The province (Alberta has its own table)

  • The number of children needing support


2024 Example: A parent earning $75,000/year would pay:


  • $755/month for one child

  • $1,189/month for two children

  • $1,581/month for three children


Finding Your Amount


You can look up exact numbers using:

Pro Tip: Always use the most current tables - amounts adjust annually for inflation.


Determining Income - The Tricky Parts


What Counts as Income?


The Court consider all sources, including:


  • Employment income (salary, wages, tips)

  • Bonuses and commissions

  • Self-employment income

  • Rental income

  • Certain government benefits (EI, disability)

  • Investment income


Special Situations



  1. Self-Employment:

    • Use line 15000 from your tax return

    • Add back certain deductions (like depreciation)


  2. Irregular Income:

    • Average income over 3 years for seasonal workers


  3. Imputed Income:

    • If a parent is underemployed (e.g., quit a job), courts may assign what they could earn based on an objective wage in the relevant industry


Red Flag: Be prepared to prove income if the other parent is self-employed or paid in cash. Request recent tax returns and pay stubs.


Section 3: Special Expenses (Section 7)


What Qualifies?


These are costs beyond basic support, including:


✅ Childcare necessary for work/school

✅ Health-related expenses (braces, counseling)

✅ Educational needs (tutoring, private school)

✅ Extracurricular activities (within reason)


How Costs Are Split


Expenses are divided proportionally based on parents' incomes.


Example Calculation:


  • Parent A earns $90,000

  • Parent B earns $60,000

  • Total income = $150,000

  • Parent A pays 60% (90k/90k/150k)

  • Parent B pays 40% (60k/60k/150k)

If hockey costs $2,000/year:

  • Parent A pays $1,200

  • Parent B pays $800


Section 4: Shared Parenting Adjustments


When children spend 40-60% of time with each parent, support works differently:

  1. Calculate what each parent would pay if they were the sole payor

  2. Subtract the smaller amount from the larger

  3. The parent who would pay more makes the difference


Example:



What if I can't afford child support?

  • Parent A would pay $800/month as sole payor

  • Parent B would pay $500/month as sole payor

  • Parent A pays Parent B 300/month(300/month(800 - $500)


Section 5: Changing Support Orders


When Modifications Are Allowed


You can request changes if there's a:


  • Significant income change (±20%)

  • Major change in parenting time

  • Change in child's needs


The Process


  1. Recalculate using current numbers

  2. File a Variation Application

  3. Serve the other parent

  4. Attend a hearing if contested


Key Point: Keep paying the current amount until the court changes it.


Conclusion: Next Steps for Self-Represented Parents


Now that you understand the calculations:


  1. Gather Documents:


    • 3 years of tax returns

    • Recent pay stubs

    • Receipts for special expenses


  2. Use Free Tools:


    • Alberta's calculator

    • Court forms and guides

    • TSL Child Support Scratch Sheet


  3. Consider Help Options:


    • The SelfRep Lawyer

    • Legal Aid Alberta

    • Family Justice Services


Download our Scratch Sheet for Free and start calculating your support



Remember: While the system has clear rules, each family's situation is unique. If your case involves complex assets, high incomes, or disputes about parenting time, consulting a family lawyer for even just a few hours can prevent costly mistakes. If you are a payor or you are expecting to receive child support and would like more information, book a consultation with Jamie-Lee right away or select one of our services to get a free 15-minute call.

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