Does child support end at 18 in Alberta?

Not automatically. In Alberta, child support may continue beyond age 18 if the child is unable to withdraw from parental charge due to illness, disability, or pursuing full-time education. The Federal Child Support Guidelines recognize that children pursuing post-secondary education often remain dependent on parents for support.

Do I have to pay child support if my child is in university?

Generally yes, if the child is enrolled full-time in a recognized post-secondary program and remains dependent. Courts consider factors like: the child's academic performance, whether they're working to contribute, their living situation, and the parents' financial circumstances. Support typically continues until the child completes their first undergraduate degree.

How is adult child support calculated in Alberta?

For adult children, courts may use the table amount from the Federal Child Support Guidelines, or calculate support based on the child's actual needs and the parents' ability to pay. Factors include: tuition costs, living expenses, the child's income from work or scholarships, and what the family could have afforded had they stayed together.

Can I stop child support payments when my child turns 18?

You cannot unilaterally stop payments without a court order or agreement, even when the child turns 18. If you believe support should end, you must either reach an agreement with the other parent or apply to the court for a variation of the support order. Stopping payments without proper authorization can result in enforcement action.

What if my adult child refuses to have a relationship with me?

The child's refusal to have a relationship with the paying parent can be a factor but doesn't automatically end the support obligation. Courts consider whether the parent contributed to the estrangement and the child's reasons. However, in extreme cases of unjustified alienation, courts have reduced or terminated support.

Adult Child Support in Alberta: Complete 2026 Guide

When child support continues beyond age 18 and what obligations apply for adult children.

Last updated: January 2026 | 11 min read

1. When Does Support Continue Past 18?

Under Canadian family law, including Alberta, a "child" for support purposes can include someone over the age of majority (18 in Alberta) who is "unable to withdraw from their charge" due to:

Illness or disability: Physical or mental conditions that prevent self-sufficiency
Pursuing education: Full-time enrollment in post-secondary studies
Other causes: Circumstances that make independence unreasonable

The law recognizes that turning 18 doesn't automatically make a child financially independent, especially when higher education has become essential for career success.

Key Principle:

The test is whether the child remains "unable to withdraw from parental charge" - not simply whether they've reached a certain age.

2. Support for Post-Secondary Education

Post-secondary support is the most common reason for adult child support. Courts generally expect parents to contribute to reasonable education costs that they would have provided had the family stayed together.

What Courts Consider

The Child's Circumstances

Full-time vs. part-time enrollment
Academic performance and progress
Reasonable program choice and career path
Whether they're working to contribute
Living independently or at home

The Parents' Circumstances

Financial ability to contribute
Whether they supported education before separation
What they would have provided if together
Education savings (RESPs) that exist

Typical Duration

Support typically continues through:

First undergraduate degree (4-5 years)
Trade certification or diploma programs
Potentially graduate studies if that was a reasonable family expectation

Support rarely extends to unlimited education. A child who takes 10 years to complete a degree or pursues multiple degrees without career focus may see support reduced or terminated.

3. Support for Children with Disabilities

When an adult child has a physical or mental disability that prevents self-sufficiency, support obligations may continue indefinitely. This includes conditions like:

Developmental disabilities
Severe mental health conditions
Physical disabilities preventing employment
Chronic illnesses requiring ongoing care

The support amount considers the child's government benefits (AISH, CPP Disability), other resources, and actual needs beyond what public programs provide.

4. How Adult Child Support is Calculated

Courts use different approaches for adult children compared to minor children:

Approach	When Used
Table Amount	Child lives at home with one parent - standard guidelines apply
Section 7 Expenses	Tuition, books, residence costs shared proportionally
Needs-Based	Child lives independently - budget-based calculation
Hybrid	Combination based on specific circumstances

Child's Contribution Expected

Adult children are expected to contribute to their own support through:

Summer employment income
Part-time work during school (reasonable hours)
Student loans
Scholarships and grants
RESP withdrawals

5. When Support Ends

Adult child support typically ends when the child:

Completes their post-secondary education
Withdraws from full-time studies
Becomes employed full-time
Gets married or enters a long-term relationship
Reaches an age where further education isn't reasonable
Demonstrates ability to be self-supporting

Important:

Don't stop payments without a court order or written agreement. Contact your lawyer to properly terminate support obligations.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Adult Child Support?

Whether you're seeking support for an adult child or trying to understand your obligations, we can help you navigate these complex issues.

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