Child support is made up of two components, the basic monthly amount which is intended to cover household and general living expenses, and an amount for “special or extraordinary expenses”. These expenses are called “Section 7 Expenses”. Section 7 expenses are paid by both parents, according to each parent’s income. 

Section 7 of The Child Support Guidelines sets out a list of expenses that typically qualify as section 7 expenses. These can include childcare expenses, insurance premiums for medical and dental coverage, health expenses, school expenses, extracurricular activities, and other items.  If parent’s have joint decision making authority with respect to their children, then the expectation is that they will discuss and agree upon section 7 expenses.  What happens if you do not agree with a certain expense for your child? For example, what if the other parent enrolls the child in an expensive extra-curricular activity that you do not feel is affordable. Do you still have to contribute to payment? 

If there is a dispute about an expense, either party may apply to the court for a determination of that matter.  The court will then determine whether the expense in question qualifies as a special or extraordinary expense and is shareable by the parents.  In considering this application the court will review the details of the expense, the parent’s respective incomes, how much child support is already being paid, and any special needs or talents of the child. 

Something to keep in mind when assessing section 7 expenses is that just because something qualifies as a section 7 expense for one family does not mean it will qualify for another family. Some expenses are extraordinary for one family, but ordinary for others. Decisions on section 7 expenses are discretionary and based on the circumstances of each family. 

If you have questions about expenses for your child, please contact our family law team at www.mckercher.ca/familylawsask.