Equal parenting time does not automatically mean no child support. BC's Section 9 rules — and how courts actually calculate support in a 50/50 arrangement — explained clearly.
Many parents assume that if they share parenting equally — week on, week off, or a 2-2-3 rotation — child support simply disappears. In most cases, it does not. Here is how child support actually works when parenting time is split close to equally in British Columbia.
## The 40% Threshold
The Federal Child Support Guidelines draw a line at 40% parenting time. If the paying parent has the children at least 40% of the time — roughly 146 nights per year — Section 9 of the Guidelines is triggered. Section 9 gives courts discretion to set an amount that may differ from the straight provincial table amount.
A true 50/50 arrangement clearly passes the 40% threshold. So does a 60/40 split — the parent with 40% falls under Section 9.
## How Section 9 Works
The Section 9 calculation has three components courts consider together:
1. The set-off amount. Each parent's table amount is calculated based on their individual income and number of children. The higher-earning parent typically pays the difference — the set-off between the two table amounts.
2. The increased costs of shared parenting. Equal time means two of everything: two bedrooms, two sets of school supplies, two sets of sports gear. Courts look at whether these actual costs are borne unequally and can adjust.
3. The conditions, means, needs, and circumstances of the children. A child's special needs, educational costs, or standard of living may influence the final figure.
The result: the paying parent's obligation under Section 9 is almost always *lower* than the full table amount, but rarely zero — particularly when there is a meaningful income gap.
## The Income Gap Matters Most
The practical driver of the Section 9 calculation is the income difference between parents. Consider two examples:
| Scenario | Parent A income | Parent B income | Likely outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large gap |
| Small gap | $85,000 | $75,000 | Small payment or near-zero |
| Equal | $80,000 | $80,000 | Often near-zero (with adjustments for costs) |
When incomes are closely matched, courts often find that the set-off is minimal and each parent bears their own costs — resulting in no ongoing payment. But this is a judicial finding based on evidence, not an automatic rule.
## Section 7 Expenses Still Apply
Even where the base support is reduced or eliminated under Section 9, Section 7 expenses are always shared. Childcare required for work, extraordinary medical expenses, extracurricular costs, and post-secondary education are divided proportionally based on income — regardless of how parenting time is split.
If one parent earns $90,000 and the other earns $60,000, their proportional share of Section 7 expenses is 60/40 regardless of whether they each have the children 50% of the time.
## What "At Least 40%" Actually Means
Courts look at actual, regular parenting time — not what is written in an agreement that is not being followed. If your agreement says 50/50 but in practice one parent has the children significantly more, the court may apply the standard table amount instead.
Documentation matters. Keep records of actual parenting time, particularly if there is any possibility of a variation application in the future.
## Using a Calculator vs. Getting Legal Advice
An online calculator — including our [BC child support calculator](/child-support-calculator-bc) — gives a useful starting point based on the straight table amount. Section 9, however, involves judicial discretion and requires analysis of both parents' incomes, actual parenting time, and costs. The calculator is a useful reference but is not a substitute for a proper legal analysis.
If you and your co-parent have reached a 50/50 arrangement and are trying to agree on child support, a family lawyer or mediator can work through the Section 9 calculation with you, identify each parent's Section 7 share, and help you reach an agreement that reflects the full picture.
## Practical Tips
- Track actual nights, not just the schedule. Courts look at what actually happens, not just what your agreement says.
- Document Section 7 expenses. Keep receipts for daycare, medical costs, and extracurriculars — these are divided by income, and the math should be transparent.
- Review annually. Either parent can request a recalculation when income changes by 10% or more.
- Get the agreement in writing. A verbal agreement about child support is enforceable but harder to prove. A written separation agreement or consent order provides certainty for both parents.
For a full analysis of your specific situation, [speak with one of our family lawyers](/contact). Child support in shared parenting arrangements is one of the most frequently litigated and misunderstood areas of BC family law — getting it right from the start saves significant conflict and cost later.
*This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified BC family lawyer.*
Yes — shared parenting (40% or more with each parent) does not automatically eliminate child support. Section 9 of the Federal Child Support Guidelines applies, and the amount is determined by looking at each parent's table amount, the actual costs each parent incurs, and the conditions and needs of the children. A set-off calculation is common but it is not a simple 50% reduction.
When the paying parent has the children 40% of the time or more — roughly 146 nights per year — Section 9 of the Federal Child Support Guidelines is triggered. Courts use a different, more flexible calculation than the straight table amount. The result can be higher or lower depending on the income gap between parents and each parent's actual costs.
When incomes are close and parenting is equal, courts often apply a set-off: each parent's table amount is calculated separately, and the higher-earning parent pays the difference. However, if actual costs are significantly unequal — for example, one parent pays for all extracurricular activities — the court may adjust the amount.
Section 7 expenses (childcare, extraordinary medical, post-secondary) are shared proportionally based on income regardless of the parenting time split. Equal parenting time does not change how Section 7 is divided — income ratio is the determining factor.