In Alberta, Section 7 extraordinary expenses (like braces, childcare, or competitive sports) are generally split proportionately based on each parent’s income, not simply 50/50. You must always deduct any tax benefits, subsidies, or health insurance coverage before calculating the final shared amount.
Raising a child involves many unpredictable costs that go far beyond basic groceries and clothing. While the standard monthly child support payment covers everyday living expenses, parents often face significant bills for daycare, orthodontics, tutoring, or extracurricular activities. Under the Federal Child Support Guidelines, these additional costs are known as “special or extraordinary expenses,” commonly referred to as Section 7 expenses.
Whether you are co-parenting in Calgary, Edmonton, or Red Deer, Alberta family law requires both parents to contribute to these costs in a fair manner. However, deciding what actually qualifies as an “extraordinary” expense, and calculating exactly who pays what, can be a major source of conflict after a separation. This guide breaks down how to properly calculate Section 7 expenses so you can ensure your child’s needs are met without facing an unfair financial burden. 📍
Step-by-Step Process in Alberta
Calculating Section 7 expenses requires complete financial transparency from both parents. You cannot accurately split a dental bill if you do not know each other’s current annual income.
Step 1: Determine if the Expense Qualifies
Not every bill is a Section 7 expense. Standard school supplies, basic clothing, and recreational swimming lessons are usually covered by base child support. To qualify under Section 7, the expense must be necessary for the child’s best interests and “extraordinary” compared to your combined income. This typically includes childcare (so the parent can work), medical premiums, uninsured health/dental costs (like braces), and extraordinary extracurriculars (like elite hockey). 🔍
Step 2: Apply Insurance and Tax Deductions
You never split the gross amount on the receipt. First, you must process the bill through any available health insurance plans. Then, you must deduct any government subsidies or tax credits the paying parent will receive (such as the childcare tax deduction). You only split the true “out-of-pocket” cost that remains after all benefits are applied.
Step 3: Calculate the Proportionate Share
Section 7 expenses are shared in proportion to the parents’ incomes. For example, if Parent A earns $60,000 CAD and Parent B earns $40,000 CAD, their combined income is $100,000 CAD. Parent A is responsible for 60% of the out-of-pocket cost, and Parent B is responsible for 40%. It is very rarely a strict 50/50 split unless both parents earn the exact same salary. 📊
Step 4: Formalize the Agreement
Once you calculate the split, you should formalize this in a court order (such as a Consent Order or Divorce Judgment) or a Maintenance Enforcement Support Agreement (MESA). Note that the Alberta Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) cannot directly enforce a standard out-of-court Separation Agreement; it must be formalized in a court-registered format to be enforceable. Furthermore, if your order or agreement only specifies a percentage split (e.g., “Parent A pays 60%”), you must additionally sign and submit the official Section 7 Expenses Agreement form, otherwise MEP will refuse to enforce and collect those receipts. You should also establish a practical system for sharing receipts, usually agreeing that one parent will provide the receipt within 30 days of the expense, and the other parent will reimburse their proportionate share within 14 days.
Base Child Support vs. Section 7 Expenses
Understanding the difference is crucial for avoiding arguments with your co-parent: 💮
| Expense Type | Covered by Base Child Support (Section 3) | Covered by Special Expenses (Section 7) |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Basic school fees, backpacks, standard field trips. | Private school tuition (if agreed upon), extensive tutoring. |
| Health & Dental | Over-the-counter medicine, routine checkups. | Orthodontics, prescription glasses, out-of-pocket therapy. |
| Extracurriculars | House-league soccer, basic recreational activities. | Elite travel hockey, expensive competitive dance, specialized camps. |
How Much Does it Cost to Resolve Disputes in Alberta?
If you cannot agree on what constitutes a Section 7 expense, you may need professional help to resolve the conflict: 💵
- Family Mediation: Hiring a private mediator in Alberta typically costs $200 to $500 CAD per hour, usually shared by both parents.
- Court Filing Fees: Under the Alberta Rules of Court Amendment Regulation (effective May 2025), filing an application in the course of an action or proceeding at the Court of King’s Bench costs $100 CAD.
- Lawyer Fees: Having a family lawyer draft your agreement or represent you in court generally costs between $300 and $700 CAD per hour.
- Retroactive Claims: If a parent failed to pay their share for years, you can sue for retroactive reimbursement, which can easily total thousands of dollars.
How Long Does the Process Take?
If both parents communicate well, calculating and paying a Section 7 expense takes just a few days after the receipt is shared. However, if you disagree and require court intervention at the Court of King’s Bench, you must navigate the Family Focused Protocol (FFP), which took effect on January 2, 2026. This protocol completely replaced the former Family Docket Court with a structured, multi-step triage process. Before you can obtain a Chambers hearing date, you must submit a Mandatory Intake Triage (MIT) package via Justice Digital, complete several mandatory pre-conditions (such as the Parenting After Separation course), and be certified by a Case Management Officer (CMO). Because of this triage process, securing a final hearing date can take 3 to 6 months. Therefore, it is highly recommended to attempt early mediation to ensure your child does not miss out on their activities while you wait for a resolution. ⏱️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to pay if my ex enrolled the child without my permission?
Generally, major Section 7 expenses require mutual consent, especially if you share joint decision-making responsibility. If your ex-spouse enrolls the child in an expensive private school without consulting you, a judge may rule that you do not have to contribute, unless the expense was absolutely necessary for the child’s health.
How often do we need to recalculate our proportionate shares?
It is standard practice in Alberta to exchange CRA Notices of Assessment every year (typically in May or June) to update both base child support and your proportionate split for Section 7 expenses based on your most recent incomes.
Is a cell phone bill a Section 7 expense?
Usually, no. Courts generally consider a teenager’s basic cell phone bill to be a standard living expense covered by base child support. However, if the phone is specifically required for medical monitoring or extraordinary safety reasons, it could potentially be argued as a special expense.
Can the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) collect Section 7 expenses?
Yes, but under strict conditions. MEP can enforce Section 7 expenses, but only if they are contained in an enforceable court order, a Divorce Judgment, or an officially registered Maintenance Enforcement Support Agreement (MESA). MEP cannot directly enforce a standard, out-of-court Separation Agreement. Additionally, if your order or agreement only states a general percentage split rather than a specific dollar amount or clearly detailed expenses, you and the other parent must complete and submit a Section 7 Expenses Agreement form. Without this signed form to clarify exactly which expenses are shared, MEP will refuse to collect the receipts on your behalf.
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