Turning 18 is an important legal milestone. In Ontario, it is generally the age at which a person becomes an adult and gains many rights and responsibilities that previously belonged to their parents or guardians.
For parents, however, turning 18 often raises a more practical question: Does child support automatically stop when a child becomes an adult?
The short answer is not necessarily. While the age of majority is 18 in Ontario, a parent’s obligation to provide financial support may continue beyond that age.
What Is the Age of Majority?
The age of majority is the age at which the law generally recognizes a person as an adult. In Ontario, that age is 18.
It is important to note that the age of majority is not the same across Canada. In provinces such as Alberta, Manitoba, and British Columbia, the age of majority is 18, while in Ontario and several other provinces, it is also 18. In some provinces and territories, however, it is 19.
Reaching the age of majority provides a person with many adult rights and responsibilities. It may also affect certain legal obligations, including a parent’s duty to provide child support.
What Changes When You Turn 18 in Ontario?
Once a person turns 18 in Ontario, they can generally:
- Vote in provincial and federal elections;
- Enter into legally binding contracts;
- Sue or be sued in their own name;
- Get married without parental consent;
- Legally change their name;
- Generally qualify for the regular minimum wage rather than the student minimum wage;
- Apply for social assistance, such as Ontario Works; and
- Buy lottery tickets.
Ontario’s compulsory school-attendance requirements generally end at age 18, subject to applicable exceptions. Parents also generally no longer have legal decision-making responsibility for their child simply because the child has reached adulthood.
However, becoming an adult does not necessarily mean that a young person is financially independent. Parents may continue to provide care, guidance, and financial support depending on the circumstances.
Age of Majority vs. Legal Age
The age of majority is the general age at which a person becomes an adult. A legal age is the specific age established by law for a particular activity, and it may be higher or lower than 18.
For example, in Ontario:
- A person can apply for a G1 driver’s licence at 16;
- Alcohol and cannabis may generally be purchased at 19; and
- Certain employment and minimum-wage rules may differ for workers under 18.
Turning 18 is therefore an important legal threshold, but it does not automatically change every right, responsibility, or restriction.
Does Child Support End at 18?
This is one of the most common questions parents ask when a child approaches adulthood.
Under Ontario’s Family Law Act and the federal Divorce Act, turning 18 does not necessarily end a parent’s child support obligation. Support may continue where the young person remains financially dependent because of their circumstances.
For example, child support may continue where:
- The child is attending full-time education, such as a post-secondary program;
- The child is unable to withdraw from parental care and obtain the necessities of life because of illness, disability, or another legally recognized circumstance; or
- The parents agreed in a separation agreement or court order that support would continue beyond the age of majority.
In these circumstances, the young person may continue to qualify as a dependent child or as a “child of the marriage,” depending on which legislation applies.
Support may continue in the same amount, but it may also be adjusted. A court may consider factors such as the child’s income, employment, scholarships, educational expenses, living arrangements, and the financial contributions of both parents.
Read Your Order or Agreement Carefully
If child support is set out in a court order or separation agreement, the wording of that document is important.
For example, an order may state that support ends:
- On the child’s 18th birthday;
- When the child is no longer dependent;
- When the child completes full-time education; or
- When another specified condition is met.
These clauses can produce different outcomes. However, the wording of the order or agreement is not the only consideration. The applicable legislation and the child’s actual circumstances may also need to be reviewed.
If a child is approaching 18, it is important not to assume that support automatically ends—or automatically continues—without reviewing the relevant documents and circumstances.
Can Child Support Be Changed After 18?
Yes. Even where support continues beyond the age of majority, the amount may need to be reviewed.
For example, a young person may:
- Begin working part-time;
- Receive scholarships or other financial assistance;
- Move away for school;
- Live independently;
- Change educational programs; or
- Become financially independent.
These changes may affect the amount of support payable. In some cases, the parents may agree to a change. In others, a formal variation of the existing order may be required.
A parent should generally avoid unilaterally stopping support without first confirming that the obligation has legally ended or that an appropriate change has been made.
What Parents Should Do Before a Child Turns 18
If your child is approaching 18, consider reviewing:
- The existing court order or separation agreement to determine how support is addressed;
- The child’s educational plans, including whether they intend to attend full-time post-secondary education;
- The child’s income and financial resources;
- Any ongoing medical, disability, or other circumstances affecting dependency; and
- Whether a change in the support amount or arrangement may be appropriate.
A family lawyer can help determine whether support should continue, change, or formally end.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Turning 18 does not necessarily end child support. The child’s circumstances, the applicable legislation, and the wording of the existing order or agreement must be considered.
It may. A child who is attending full-time education and remains financially dependent may continue to qualify for support.
Yes. Support may continue where a young person is unable to withdraw from parental care and obtain the necessities of life because of illness, disability, or another legally recognized circumstance.
Yes. The amount may change depending on factors such as the child’s income, educational expenses, living arrangements, and the financial circumstances of both parents.
Key Takeaways
- The age of majority in Ontario is 18.
- Turning 18 provides a person with many adult rights and responsibilities.
- The age of majority is not the same as the legal age for every activity.
- Child support does not necessarily end when a child turns 18.
- Support may continue while a child remains financially dependent, including during full-time education.
- The wording of the existing order or agreement is important.
- Parents should obtain advice before stopping or changing child support.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. The outcome of any matter depends on its specific facts.
