Saskatchewan Child Support Laws: Guidelines and Calculations

Applying Federal Guidelines

The core principle is simple: the parent with whom the child lives most of the time is entitled to receive child support from the other parent. The amount is determined based on the payor's gross annual income and the number of children.

There is very little discretion for a judge to deviate from these guidelines unless there is a claim of "undue hardship" or the child is over the age of majority.

Ensuring stability for children in Saskatchewan is the primary goal of the guidelines.

Saskatchewan Tables

If the payor parent resides in Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Tables are used to determine the monthly payment. These tables are updated periodically by the federal government.

You can find the exact amount by using the official Child Support Table Look-up provided by the Department of Justice. Ensure you select "2017" (or the most current year available in the dropdown, usually 2017 tables are still the base with adjustments) and "Saskatchewan".

Special Expenses (Section 7)

Basic table amounts cover food, shelter, and clothing. Other expenses, known as Section 7 expenses, are shared based on the parents' respective incomes. These include:

• Childcare costs.
• Medical and dental insurance premiums.
• Health-related expenses (over $100 annually).
• Extraordinary school or educational expenses.
• Post-secondary education costs.
• Extracurricular activities (if extraordinary).

Detailed financial records are necessary to determine fair Section 7 contributions.

Recalculation Service

Saskatchewan offers a Child Support Recalculation Service. This pilot project allows parents with an existing court order to have their child support recalculated annually based on updated income tax information, without having to hire a lawyer or go back to court.

This service helps ensure that support payments remain fair and current with the payor's ability to pay.

Enforcement (MEO)

The Maintenance Enforcement Office (MEO) is responsible for collecting and distributing support payments in Saskatchewan. Once a court order is registered, the MEO can take steps to enforce payment, including:

• Garnishing wages.
• Seizing bank accounts.
• Suspending driver's licenses.
• Intercepting federal payments (like tax refunds).

More Saskatchewan Laws

• Saskatchewan Hit and Run Laws