Changes to the Federal Child Support Tables come into force on
December 31, 2011. The effect on existing child support obligations
will vary depending on income levels and the effect of federal and
provincial or territorial tax rules.
The updated tables will not lead to automatic changes in the
child support amount paid pursuant to existing court orders or
agreements. However, either parent can apply to court to have the
order changed, if the Federal Tables were used to determine child
support oblgiations and the updated tables would change the amount
of child support payable. If support obligations are paid by
written agreement, a new agreement may be negotiated or a court
order sought to vary the existing support obligations to reflect
the new Table amounts. The Kelowna Provincial Famly Court in
British Columbia also offers a Support Recalculation Service, for
orders registered in that program.
