Enter the number of dependent children from other relationships for each parent. Split by age group: under 13 and 13 or older. These reduce assessed income.
<13
YOU
13+
<13
OTHER PARENT
13+
Enter the number of children from other child support cases for each parent. Split by age group: under 13 and 13 or older. This calculates multi-case allowances.
If you believe the other parent could earn more than they currently do, but chooses not to, you may be able to have the assessment changed. This is "Reason 8B" under the Child Support (Assessment) Act.
This reason applies when a parent:
- Voluntarily reduced their working hours after separation
- Quit a well-paying job without good reason
- Refuses to seek employment despite being able to work
- Works part-time when they could work full-time
- Takes a lower-paying job when better options are available
The Registrar looks at their qualifications, work history, job market, and any legitimate reasons for not working (like caring responsibilities or health issues).
John and Sarah's Story
Before separation, John worked as an IT manager earning $150,000 per year. Shortly after Sarah filed for child support, John quit his job and now works part-time as a barista earning $35,000.
John has a computer science degree, 15 years of IT experience, and no health issues preventing him from working. IT jobs in his field are readily available in their city.
Sarah applied for a Change of Assessment under Reason 8B. She provided evidence of John's qualifications, work history, and current job market for IT professionals. The Registrar determined John was deliberately underemployed and assessed his child support based on his earning capacity of $140,000, not his actual income of $35,000.
Do you think this applies to you?
If this reason sounds like your situation, you may be eligible for a Change of Assessment. Our tool can help you identify which grounds apply to your case.
Related Information
Calculate Your Child Support
View All Special Circumstances
Browse Other Reasons
Reason 1
High Costs of Contact
Reason 2
Special Needs Care Costs
Reason 3
High Costs of Caring/Educating
Reason 4
Child's Income/Resources
Reason 5
Transferred Benefits
Reason 6
High Childcare Costs
Reason 7
Reduced Capacity - Commitments
Reason 8A
Income/Property/Resources
Reason 9
Duty to Maintain Another
Reason 10
Resident Child Responsibility
Frequently Asked Questions
This information is general in nature and not legal advice. Every situation is different. For advice specific to your circumstances, consider consulting with a family lawyer.